THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


THE 


DAILY  COUNSELLOR, 


BY  MRS.  L.  H.   SIGOURNEY. 


'  THY  testimonies  are  my  DKLIOHT  and  my  COUNSELLORS." 

The  Psalmiit. 


HARTFORD: 

BROWN    AND    GROSS,    PUBLISHERS. 
1859. 


ENTERED  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1858,  Toy 
BROWN     AND     GROSS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States 
for  the  District  of  Connecticut. 


WILLIAMS   AND   WILEY,   PRINTERS, 
HARTFORD,   CONN. 


THE  treasures  of  God's  Holy  Word  are  revealed  in  its 
minutest  portions.  "One  verse  from  the  Psalms,"  said 
Luther,  "is  sufficient  for  the  meditation  of  a  day,  and  who- 
ever finds,  at  the  close  of  that  day,  that  he  has  possessed 
himself  of  its  sense  and  spirit,  may  consider  the  time  well- 
spent." 

On  this  principle,  the  present  volume  has  been  constructed. 
Its  simple  parodies  or  amplifications  of  the  sacred  precept 
selected  for  daily  use  throughout  the  year,  may  aid  it  in 
adhering  to  the  retentive  powers.  A  gentleman,  far  ad- 
vanced in  years,  being  asked  what  course  he  had  pursued 
to  preserve  his  memory  unimpaired,  replied,  "  I  have  every 
day,  committed  to  her  care  a  few  lines  of  poetry." 

The  ensuing  pages  have  no  exclusive  reference  to  any 
peculiar  period  of  life.  They  seek  alike  the  friendship  of 
youth,  maturity,  and  age.  It  will  be  readily  seen,  that 
they  are  less  adapted  to  consecutive  perusal,  than  to 
stated  communion,  according  to  their  allotted  portions,  with 
serious,  or  solitary  thought.  To  this  methodical  and 
familiar  intercourse  they  aspire,  more  than  to  any  meed  of 


PEEFACE. 


literary  ambition.  Should  their  lyrical  echoes  of  divine 
truth  fail  in  conferring  intellectual  benefit,  may  they  still 
be  permitted  to  linger  with  no  unhallowed  influence  in  the 

temple  of  the  soul. 

L.  H.  S. 
HAKTFORD,  CONN., 

September  1st,  1858. 


JANUARY. 

C0ntjewt$ 

« 

JANUARY. 
GENESIS,!:  14. 

JANUART. 
XXIX. 

XXX  

MARK   vi  •  G. 

XXXI  

FEBRUARY. 
I 

II 

FEBRUARY. 
HEBREWS   xiii  •  16 

v 

HEBREWS  in:  27. 

VI. 

GENESIS,  v  :  22. 

VII  

JOHN,  xii  :  26. 

II 

MARK   x-  52. 

VIII  
IX  
X. 

JoB.xxii:  21. 
IST  CORINTHIANS,  iii:  11. 
NAHUM,  i:  7. 

III  
IV. 

ECCLESIASTIC-US,  iii:  12. 

v 

HEBREWS   ii  •  7 

XI  

LUKE,  xxii:  19. 

VI  
VII  

PROVERBS,  xxiv:  10. 

IX.  

IST  SAMUEL,  xxvi  :  12. 
HEBREWS   vii  •  25 

XV 

XVII 

HEBREWS   xi  •  7 

XIX  
XX  

ISAIAH,  Ivi  :  7. 
ROMANS,  xiii  :  8. 

XIV  
XV 

ECCLESIASTES,  iv:  9. 

XXI  

MARK.VU:  37. 

XVI  
XVII  

RUTH,!:  14. 

XXIV  
XXV  

REVELATION,  ii;  28. 
MATTHEW,  xiii  :  39. 

XIX.  

PSALMS,  xcvii  :  2. 

XX.  

IST  PETER,  i:  12. 

XXVII. 

ISAIAH,  1:  10. 

XXII. 

XXVIII... 

JOHN,  xxi  :  22. 

XXIII. 

JEREMIAH,  xlviii:  5. 

vi 

CONTENTS. 

FEBRUARY-. 
XXIV  
XXV. 

ECCLESIASTICUS,  ii  :  9. 
LuKE.ix:  32. 

APRIL. 
I  

APRIL. 

XXVII 

ISAIAH,  xxiii  :  18. 

Ill  
IV  

PSALMS,  cxxvii  :  3. 
IST  JOHN,  iii:  2. 

•  XXVIII  

...ECCLESIASTICUS,  vii  :  27. 

MARCH. 

MARCH. 

VII 

JAMES  v  •  13. 

VIII. 

HEBREWS,  ix  :  28. 

IX  

LuKE.xxiii:  34. 



, 

X  

PSALMS,  v:  3. 

XI  

ROMANS,  xiv:  7. 

IV  

XII  

HEBREWS,!:  14. 

V  

HEBREWS,  iv:  1. 

XIV  

LUKE,  xiiii:  42. 
DEUTERONOMY,  xvi  :  1. 

LUKE.V:  28. 
COLOSSIANS,  ii:  7. 

XV  

,  NAHUM,  i:  3. 

VIII.  

XVI  

LUKE,  xi  :  2. 

XVII  

PSALMS,  cxlviii  :  10. 

XVIII  

MARK,  xiv:  11. 

XI  

XIX  
XX  

...liT  CORINTHIANS,  xiii  :  13. 
IST  SAMUEL,  xvi  :  7. 

XII  

AcTs.xxvii:  14. 

XIII.  
XIV  
XV.  

PHILLIFPIANS,  i:  20. 
PSALMS,  cxii:  9. 
JOHN,  xiv:  27. 

XXII  

JOB,  xiv:  7 

XVI  
XVII  

PSALMS,  xxiii  :  4. 
COLOSSIANS,  iii:  15. 

XXIV  
XXV  
XXVI  

JoHN.xix:  30. 

XIX  

PROVERBS,  xviii  :  10. 

XXVIII  

PSALMS,  viii:  2. 

XXIX  

PSALMS,  Ixv:  1. 

XXX  

XXIII. 

MAT. 

MAY. 

XXIV  

XXV  

XXVI  

XXVII  

PSALMS,  Ixii  :  7. 

II 

XXVIII  

III 

1 

XXIX.  

JEREMIAH  xxii  •  10 

, 

XXX  

JEREMIAH,  xlii  •  3. 

XXXI  

...1ST  CORINTHIANS,  ii  :  16. 

VI.     .. 

PSALMS  cxviii  •  24. 

CONTEXTS. 

vii 

MAY. 
VII 

PSALMS  xii  •  3 

JUNE. 
XIII 

x. 

PROVERBS   iv  •  13.     XVI 

XII. 

XVIII 

XIII  

PSALMS,  cxxvi  :  6. 

XIX.....  

.  .IsT  THESSALONIANS,  v:  16. 

XV 

PSALMS   lix  :  16. 

XXI 

' 

XVI  
XVII. 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  xv  :  51. 
ISAIAH,  xliii  :  2. 

XXII  
XXIII 

ISAIAH,   lix:  5. 

XVIII  
XIX  
XX  
XXI  
XXII  
XXIII  

MATTHEW,  xxii:  12. 
MATTHEW,  xiv:  31. 
ECCLESIASTES,  iv  :  2. 
MARK,  ix:   24. 
MARK,!*:  24. 
MATTHEW,  xxvi:  39. 

XXV 

XXVI. 

NAHUM   ii  •  2 

XXVII 

XXVIII.     . 

PROVERBS'  xii     3 

XXIX 

' 

' 

XXV  

PSALMS,  v:  3. 

JULY. 

I  

JULY. 

MARK,!:  1. 

XXVIII.... 

JEREMIAH,  xvii  :  6. 

II  

MAHK.V:  39 

JUXE. 

JUNE. 

IV 

VIII  

.    .                MARK  vii  •  11 

II 

IX  

....MATTHEW,  xxvii  :  58  60. 

III 

MATTHEW   xx  •  3 

x. 

PSALMS   cxix  •   105 

IV  

v. 

ECCLESIASTES,  iii  :  11. 
JUDGES  viii  :  4 

XI  
XII  
XIII  
XIV 

2ND  SAMUEL,  xii:  23. 
PROVERBS,  x  xii:  22. 
ISAIAH,  xxxv  :  10. 

VI  
VII 

LUKE,  xxiv:  5. 

VIII 

MARK   iv  39 

IX 

X. 

PSALMS,  cxlii  :  4. 

XVII 

MATTHEW  iv  •  8 

XII  

ZECHARIAH,  v  :  9. 

XIX.  

JOHI»,V:  4. 

viii 

CONTEXTS. 

JULY. 

AUGUST 

:  1. 
:  G. 
:  2. 
:  2. 

40. 
20. 

11. 
23. 
23. 
:  8. 
1C. 
17. 
20. 
10. 
10. 

XXI  

JOHN,  xvi:  33. 

XXVII 

XXII  

2ND  CORINTHIANS,  iv:   17. 

XXVIII 

GENESIS,  i 

XXV.  
XXVI. 

ECCLESIASTES,  iii  :  15. 
JOB  ix  •  12 

XXXI 

JEREMIAH,  viii: 

SEPTEMB 
I  
H 

SEPTEMBER. 

ER. 

ISAIAH,  xl: 
JOHN   iv  • 

XXVII.  

XXVIII. 

XXIX  
XXX  
XXXI  

AUGUST. 
I  

PROVERBS,!:  24. 
AcTs,xxvi:  28. 

AUGUST. 

3o  or  JOHN,  4. 

IV 

V  

JOB,  xxxvii  : 

11  

ISAIAH,  xv  :  7. 

Ill  

JOHN,  xx  :  16. 

>- 

IV  

MARK,  iv:  3. 

X  
XI  
XII  
XIII.... 
XIV.... 

VI  

PSALMS,  Ixv:  2. 

IST  CHRONICLES,  xiii  : 
GENESIS,  xxiv  : 
MICAH,  ii: 
MATTHEW,  xxvi  : 

12. 
63. 
10. 
56. 
36. 
:  5. 
31. 
15.     ' 
32. 
16. 
23. 
:  6. 
29 
:  5. 
4. 

VIII  

JOB   xxv  5 

IX  
X  

MARK,  v:  39. 
MARK,  vi  :  22. 

XV  

MARK,  ix: 

XI 

.... 

E      ' 

XIII  
XIV  

2r»D  SAMUEL,  xxiv  :  14. 
PROVERBS,  xvii  :  17. 

XVIII.. 
XIX 

MARK    i  • 

XVI  

MATTHEW,  vi:  10. 

XXI 

IST  PETER   i  • 

XVII  

HEBREWS,  ii:  15. 

XXII... 
XXIII 

XVIII  
XIX  

...WISDOM  OF  SOLOMON,  x  :  7. 
MARK,  x:  16. 

MATTHEW  xi  • 

XX  

MATTHEW,  xiv  :  25. 

xxv 

' 

XXI  

EPHESIANS  iii-  19 

XXVI... 
XXVII.. 

XXII 

MALAOHI.iii 

6. 
14. 
28. 
:  1. 

XXIV 

XXV  

PROVERBS,  xxiii:  23. 

XXX.... 

CONTEXTS. 

ix 

OCTOBER. 

OCTOBER. 

PROVERBS  xxviii  :  20. 

NOVEMBER. 
VI 

VII  

LUKE,XV:  18. 

II  
HI 

DEUTERONOMY,  xxxii  :  11. 

VIII  
IX  

EZEKIEL,  vii:  16. 
JOHN,  xi:  35. 

IV 

ROMANS   i-  16. 

X  

JEREMIAH,  xlix  :  11. 

v 

XI  

ISAIAH,  liv:  5. 

XII 

.     ..              ISAIAH,  Ivi  :  5. 

VII  

MATTHEW,  xxiii:  13. 

XIII     

PROVERBS,  xvi  :  31. 



x 

HEBREWS  xi  •  4 

XVI  

HABAKKUK,  ii  :  20. 

XI..   . 

XVII  
XVIII  

HEBREWS,!:  11. 
HABAKKUK,  iii:  2. 

XII 

XIX  

JOHN,  xiv  :  27. 

XX  

PSALMS,  xxxvii  :  25. 
ISAI  AH,  xi  :  S. 
PSALMS,  cxv  :  17. 

XV 

XXI  
XXH  

XVI 

XVII  
XVIII  

XXIII  

LUKE,  xvii:  5. 

/ECHAHIAH,  viii  :  13. 

XXIV  

PSALMS,  cxxxix  :  7. 

XX  
XXI 

ECCLESIA1TE9,  ii  :    26. 

XXVI  
XXVII  

IST  CORINTHIANS,  viii:  1. 
ZECHARIAH,  i:  5. 

XXII  
XXIII  

MARK.JX:  50. 
JOB,  iii:  17. 

XXVIII.... 
XXIX  
XXX  .... 

...ISTTHESSALONIANS,  iii:  13. 
SONG  OF  SOLOMON,  vii  :  13. 

DECEMBER. 
I  

j 
DECEMBER. 
JOB,  xxxvii:  10. 

XXVI  

2ND  KINGS,  iv:  26. 

XXVIII.... 
XXIX 

MARK,  xvi  :  15. 

XXX 

1 

II  

NUMBERS,  xxiii  :  10. 

R                     '    '       2. 

...IsT  CORINTHIANS,  xiii  :  19. 

NOVEMBER. 
I  

NOVEMBER. 
SONG  OF  SOLOMON,  ii  :  13. 

V  

REVELATION,  xiv.  13. 
PSALMS    i  •  3 

VI 

II  

JOHN   ix  •  1 

IX  

Ill  
IV  
V  

ISAIAH,  xxi  :  12. 
PIALMS,  cii  :  24. 
LUKE,  xxiii:  12. 

XI  
XII.... 

PSALMS,  cxxx:  6. 
...  PHILIPPIANS,  iv  :  4. 

CONTENTS. 


DECEMBER. 

XIII 2ND  PETER,  Hi :  11. 

XIV iMABK,  iv:  28. 

XV PSALMS,  cxix  :  54. 

XVI IST  THESSALONI  AV3,  v  :  16. 

XVII IST  THESSALONIANS,  iv  :  14. 

XVIII JEREMIAH,  viii :  7. 

XIX GENESIS,  v  :  27. 

XX DANIEL,  xii:  12. 

XXI JOHN,  ix:  4. 

XXII ISAIAH,  Iviii :  13. 


DECEMBER. 

XXIII RETELATIOK,  vii :  17. 

XXIV MATTHEW,  x:  8. 

XXV MATTHEW,  ii :  9. 

XXVI PSALMS,  cxxx:  1. 

XXVII MARK,  i ;  16. 17. 

XXVIII JOKAH,  ii:  7. 

XXIX GALATIANS,  iv:  10. 

XXX LuKE.xviii:  37. 

XXXI PSALMS,  xc  :  12. 


JANUARY   I. 

"  For  signs  and  for  seasons,  for  days  and  for  years." 

GENESIS,  i:  14. 

GIFT  of  untiring  Goodness,  bright,  beautiful  New  Year ! 
We  take  thy  wintry  hand  in  ours,  with  smile  of  grateful 

cheer, 

We  hail,  we  bid  thee  welcome,  in  glad  and  festive  lays ; 
Thou  com'st  to  us,  o'er  many  a  grave,  to  our  Preserver, 

praise  ! 
We  ask  not  where  thy  footsteps  tend,  His  wisdom  is  our 

guide, 

We  ask  not  what  thy  casket  holds,  He  will  o'er  all  preside, 
So,  wheresoe'er  thou  leadest  on,  still  trustfully  we'll  tread, 
Whether  our  untried  path  shall  be  with  thorns  or  flowers 

o'erspread ; 

If  'tis  our  lot  to  walk  with  thee,  until  thy  journey  close, 
Or  thine  to  lay  us  down  at  last,  in  undisturbed  repose, 
We  may  not  know,  we  will  not  ask,  the  present  is  our  care, 
With  all  its  duties,  all  its  joys,   its  love  and  toil  and 

prayer. 

Help  us  to  cast  aside  the  weights  that  clog  the  spirit's  force, 
Forget  the  things  that  are  behind,  and  upward  speed  our 

course, 

Make  us  readier  at  life's  lesson,  make  us  readier  for  its  end, 
And  fitter  for  that  an  gel -train  to  which  the  blest  ascend. 


14  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JANUARY    II. 

"In  the  beginning,  God  created  the  heavens  and  the  enrth." 

GENESIS,  i:  1. 

GOD  spake, — and  startled  chaos  fled 

With  ancient  night  away, 
The  slumbering  elements  arose, 

Obedient  to  His  sway, 

The  kingly  Sun  came  forth  in  state, 

The  stars  their  courses  wove, 
And,  like  a  timid  bride,  the  Moon 

Look'd  from  her  bower  of  love, 

Fair  Eden  spread  its  cultured  bound, 
While  through  its  stainless  green 

Man,  and  his  dear  companion  walk'd, 
Sole  rulers  of  the  scene. 

So,  thus  in  the  beginning  rose 

This  universal  frame, 
Glad  Nature  singing  hymns  of  praise 

To  her  Creator's  name. 

Oh !  Maker  of  the  earth  and  skies, 

Eemember  me  I  pray, 
This  dying  form, — this  living  soul, — 

And  cast  them  not  away. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  15 


JANUARY    III. 


'  How  old  art  thou  ?  ' 
GENES 


"  How  old  art  thou?" — Man  measuretli  time 
By  things  that  fall  away  and  die, 

By  sickled  fields  of  Autumn's  prime, 
Summer's  lost  bloom  or  Winter's  sky. 

Age  from  his  span  its  luster  takes, 
The  cheek  resigns  its  roseate  glow, 

The  form  its  grace,  the  hair  its  hue, 
The  brow  its  beauty; — let  them  go. 

But  the  true  heart  can  ne'er  grow  old, 
Its  eye  is  bright,  tho'  youth  be  fled, 

Its  ear  is  never  dull  to  sound, 

Its  lip  can  speak,  when  speech  is  dead. 

By  prayer,  by  alms,  by  written  page, 
By  planted  words  of  holy  trust, 

It  quickeneth  love  from  age  to  age, 
It  liveth,  when  the  form  is  dust. 

So  count  thou  not  thine  age  by  tears, 
Or  smiles  of  Fortune's  fickle  ray, 

Nor  say  how  old  thou  art  in  years, 
Of  waste  and  folly  and  decay, 

But  ever,  with  a  steadfast  eye 

On  Him  from  whom  thy  life  proceeds, 

Notch  thou  its  seasons  on  the  soul, 
And  tell  its  calendar  by  deeds. 


16  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JANUARY  IV. 

"  Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might." 

ECCLESIASTIC,  i.\  :  10. 

Do  what  thou  hast  to  do, 

"While  thou  hast  eyes  to  see, 
"While  thou  hast  ears  to  hear  the  word 

That  wisdom  speaks  to  thee, 
"While  thou  hast  feet  to  walk, 

While  thou  hast  voice  to  pray, 
While  thou  hast  Reason's  guiding  lamp 

To  understand  thy  way. 

Do  what  thou  hast  to  do, 

And  not  to  others  leave, 
They  may  thy  wishes  overrule, 

Thy  motives  misconceive, 
Thy  purposes  contest, 

Thy  plans  with  envy  view ; 
Now,  while  the  life-tide  heaves  thy  breast, 

Do  what  thou  hast  to  do. 

Do  what  thou  hast  to  do, 

Before  the  night  of  gloom, 
That  swiftly  wraps  the  sons  of  men 

In  darkness  and  the  tomb ; 
For  though  thy  course  may  lead 

O'er  flowrets  bright  with  dew, 
There  yawns  thy  cold,  drear,  silent  bed, 

Do  what  thou  hast  to  do. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  17 


JANUARY  V. 

"It  is  appointed  unto  men   once  to  die." 

HEBREWS,  ix  :  27. 

To  die!  To  die!— 

'Tis  but  to  change  our  place 
In  this  great  Universe,  and  God  is  there  : 
To  take  such  form  of  being  as  He  wills, 
And  what  He  wills  is  wisdom  rob'd  in  love. 
'Tis  but  to  cling  to  the  dear  Saviour's  hand, 
And  tread,  like  Peter,  the  dark,  whelming  wave, 
That  sweeps  away  all  rootless  things  of  earth. 

But  once  to  die ! — Last  lesson  in  time's  book, 
Gird  thee,  weak  soul !  the  trial-pang  is  brief, 
And  Faith  can  triumph  o'er  its  mystery. 

To  die!  To  die!— 

'Tis  but  to  lay  aside 

"What  we  have  long'd  to  leave,  this  pain-girt  flesh, 
In  which  the  fires  of  desolation  work, 
And  smolder  from  our  birth.     'Tis  but  to  shut 
These  eyes,  and  bask  in  light  that  hath  no  cloud, 
To  lay  this  seal'd  ear  'neath  the  moldering  clod 
And  hear  the  song  of  Heaven  forevermore. 

B  2* 


18  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JANUARY  VI. 

"  Enoch  walked  with  God." 

GENESIS,  v:  22. 

WALK  with  the  Lord  at  morn, 

When  every  scene  is  fair, 
While  opening  buds  the  boughs  adorn, 

And  fragrance  fills  the  air ; 
Before  the  rosy  dawn,  awake, 

And  in  thy  being's  pride, 
Thy  first  young  blush  of  beauty,  make 

Omnipotence  thy  guide. 

Walk  with  the  Lord  at  noon, 

When  fervid  suns  are  high, 
And  Pleasure,  with  her  treacherous  boon, 

Allureth  manhood's  eye, 
Then,  with  the  diamond  shield  of  prayer, 

Thy  soul's  opposers  meet, 
And  crush  the  thorns  of  sin  and  care 

That  pierce  the  pilgrim's  feet. 

Walk  with  the  Lord  at  eve, 
When  twilight  dews  descend, 

And  Nature  seems  a  shroud  to  weave, 
As  for  some  smitten  friend  ; 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  19 

While  slow  the  lonely  moments  glide 

On  mournful  wing  away, 
Press  closer,  closer  to  His  side, 

His  arm  shall  be  thy  stay. 

Even  shouldst  thou  linger  here 

Till  midnight  spreads  its  pall, 
And  Age  laments  with  bosom  drear 

Its  buried  earthly  all, 
Thy  withered  eyes  a  signal  bright 

Beyond  the  grave  shall  see, 
For  He  who  maketh  darkness  light, 

Thy  God,  shall  walk  with  thee. 


JANUARY  VII. 

"  Where  I  am,  there  shall  also  my  servant  be." 

JOHN,  xii :  26. 

THE  Fathers ! — I  remember  them 

Within  the  House  of  Prayer, 
Their  thoughtful  eye,  devoutly  bright, 
And  almond  blossoms  woven  white 
Amid  their  scattered  hair. 


20  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

In  all  their  dignity  of  age 

Me  thinks  I  see  them  now, 
Prone  to  reprove  the  rash  and  vain, 
A  fearless  justice  written  plain 

Upon  each  reverend  brow. 

The  Fathers ! — I  remember  them, 
Those  statesmen  grave  and  bold, 

On  whose  true  breasts  their  Country's  weal, 

Engraven  as  a  signet  seal, 
Was  valued  more  than  gold. 

Most  beautiful  it  was  to  me, 

Fast  by  their  side  to  tread, 
Still  listening  with  observance  meet, 
Or  gathering,  seated  at  their  feet, 

The  pearls  their  wisdom  shed. 

The  ancient  Fathers ! — Where  are  they  ? 

At  board  and  hearth-stone  fair, 
Beneath  their  favorite  elm  trees'  shade, 
The  sounding  beach,  the  dewy  glade, 

We  search, — they  are  not  there. 

Where  are  they  ? — Answer  not,  thou  grave ! 

Brief  will  thy  durance  prove, 
They  are  not  thine, — for  well  we  know 
With  Him  they  liv'd  and  serv'd  below, 

They  are  at  home, — above. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  21 


JANUARY  VIII. 

'Acquaint  now  thyself  with  Him,  and  be  at  pence." 

ACQUAINT  thyself  with  God, 

If  thou  would'st  read  aright 
The  book  of  nature,  ever  spread 

Before  thee,  day  and  night ; 
If  thou  would'st  fully  learn 

The  wonders  there  displayed, 
Enshrine  its  Author  in  thy  heart, 

And  love  what  He  hath  made. 

So  shall  the  warbling  grove, 

The  surge  with  mountain  swell, 
The  Banian  on  the  Indian  sands, 

The  Lily  in  its  dell, 
Yea,  every  winged  seed 

That  quickeneth  'neath  the  sod, 
Teach  heavenly  wisdom,  if  thy  soul 

Acquaint  itself  with  (rod. 

There  are  who  gather  wealth 

From  many  a  storied  page, 
That  tendeth  but  to  wrinkling  care, 

Nor  warms  the  frost  of  age, 
But  thou,  with  lowly  mind, 

Intent  on  sacred  lore, 
Acquaint  thyself  with  God,  and  be 

At  peace  forevermore. 


22  DAILY   COUKSELLOE. 


JANUARY  IX. 

"  Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay,  than  that  is  laid." 

I.  CORINTHIANS,  iii:  11. 

BUILD'ST  thou  on  wealth  ? — Its  wing  is  ever  spread, 
Its  dazzled  votaries  to  elude  and  foil ! 

On  Science?    Lo !  the  lofty  sage  hath  fled, 
Like  the  pale  lamp  that  lit  his  midnight  toil, 
Forgotten  as  the  flower  that  decked  the  vernal  soil. 

Build' st  thou  on  love  ? — The  trusting  heart  it  cheers, 
While  youth  and  hope  entwine  their  garlands  gay, 

Yet  hath  it  still  an  heritage  of  tears : 

Build'st  thou  on  fame  ?     The  dancing  meteor's  ray 
Glides  not  on  swifter  wing  to  deeper  night  away. 

"Why  on  such  sands  thy  spirit's  temple  rear  ? 

How  shall  its  base  the  wrecking  billows  shun? 
Go,  seek  the  Eternal  Rock,  with  humble  fear, 

And  on  the  tablet  of  each  setting  sun 

Grave,  with  a  diamond  pen,  some  deed  of  duty  done. 

Young,  art  thou  ? — Then  the  words  of  wisdom  weigh ; 
Mature  ? — The  gathering  ills  of  life  beware ; 

Aged  ? — Oh !  make  His  changeless  arm  thy  stay, 
"Who  saves  the  weakest  suppliant  from  despair, 
And  bids  the  midnight  tomb  a  robe  of  glory  wear. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOE.  23 


JANUARY  X. 

'  He  knowcth  them  Hint  trust  in  Hi 


NAHUM,  i :  7. 


GOD  of  the  unfatkom'd,  unresisted  deep, 

We  trust  in  Thee,  and  know  in  whom  we  trust. 

God  of  the  solemn  stars,  that  tread  so  true 

The  path  by  Thee  appointed,  every  one, 

From  the  slight  asteroid  to  the  for  orb 

That  lists  the  watch-word,  or  the  music-march 

Of  neighboring  planets  round  their  monarch  suns, 

Circling  in  glorious  order, — lead  our  souls, 

From  system  unto  system,  up  to  Thee : 

That  when  unbodied,  from  this  lower  world 

Alone  they  launch,  they  may  not  lose  the  clue 

Guiding  from  sun  to  sun,  thro'  boundless  space, 

The  stranger-atom,  to  its  place  with  Thee. 


JANUARY  XI. 

"This  do  in  remembrance  of  me." 

LUKE,  xxii :  19. 

COME,  listening  spirit,  come ! 

Good  angels  guide  thy  way, 
A  Saviour  bids  thee  to  his  feast, 

The  gracious  call  obey. 


24  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


No  more  the  cold  gray  stone 

His  sepulclier  doth  seal, 
"Tis  roll'd  away, — and  He  is  risen, — 

He  stoops  our  wounds  to  heal. 

Come,  waiting  spirit,  come  1 
His  hallowed  board  is  spread, 

Turn  from  the  false  delights  of  earth 
And  take  the  living  bread, 

And  in  its  strength  divine, 

Pass  on  thy  pilgrim  way, 
Make  Him  thy  pole-star  thro'  the  night, 

Thy  sunbeam  all  the  day, 

Guarding  with  faithful  heart 

The  promise  of  his  love, 
That  those  who  share  his  feast  below, 

Shall  be  his  guests  above. 


JANUARY  XII 

'Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the  Temple  of  Got!,  and  Unit  the  Spirit  of  O<iH  chvelleth  in  you  1" 

I.  CORINTHIANS,  iii  :  10. 

Kxow  ye  not  what  dwelleth  in  you  ? 

Where  your  warmest  wishes  tend  ? 
When  the  love-tide  swelleth  in  you 

O'er  some  dear,  returning  friend, 
And  his  fond  embrace  you  share, 
Know  ye  not,  if  joy  be  there  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  25 

Know  ye  not,  if  God's  own  spirit 

A  new  life  to  you  hath  brought? 
Know  ye  not,  if  ye  inherit 

What  the  world  hath  never  taught  ? 
Whether  clouds  of  mental  night 
Have  from  darkness  chang'd  to  light  ? 

Father!  by  Thy  wisdom  teach  us, 

Bid  all  mists  of  doubt  depart, 
If  we  grope  in  error,  reach  us 

With  a  sunbeam  of  the  heart, 
Set  our  souls  from  bondage  free, 
Make  them  temple-shrines  for  Thee. 


JANUARY   XIII. 

"  I  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold,  tried  in  the  fire,  that   thou  mnyest  be  rich." 

KEVKLATION,  iii :  J8. 

TIME  doth  glide  to  Beauty's  bower, 
With  a  thief  s  intent  and  a  monarch's  power, 
The  frosted  tress,  and  the  faded  rose, 
And  the  furrow'd  brow,  his  deeds  disclose, 
From  the  sparkling  eye  its  diamond  ray, 
And  the  lip  its  ruby,  he  beareth  away. 

But  a  casket  there  is,  which  he  views  in  vain, 

With  an  eagle  glance  and  a  miser's  pain, 

He  gazes  long  at  its  golden  key, — 

Spoiler,  away !  it  may  not  be, 

'Tis  the  wealth  of  the  soul  and  bound  for  that  shore 

Where  thou  and  thy  wrecks  shall  be  known  no  more. 


26  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JANUARY  XIV. 

"  Walk  at  children  of  light." 

EPHESIA.NS,  v :  8. 

THERE  is  a  light  that  shineth 

From  God's  own  book  divine, 
And  meets  the  lowly,  searching  soul 

At  every  blessed  line ; 
It  warns  where  foes  and  dangers 

In  fearful  ambush  lie, 
It  lamp-like  shows  where  sins  and  snares 

Elude  the  traveler's  eye, 
It  guideth  o'er  the  desert, 

When  earthly  leaders  fail, 
It  guideth  o'er  the  surging  sea, 

When  clouds  and  blasts  prevail, 
It  guideth  to  the  ark  of  Christ, 

It  giveth  day  for  night, 
To  those  who  in  obedience  walk 

As  children  of  the  light. 

There  is  a  beam  that  breaketh 

O'er  western  hills  afar, 
And  holdeth  forth  a  crescent  pure, 

Like  holy,  watchful  star, 
Reflected  from  the  seraph's  wing 

Around  the  throne  that  soar, 
Reflected  from  the  snowy  robes 

Of  loved  ones  gone  before, 
It  cheers  the  heart  that  weepeth 

Beside  the  burial  sod, 
It  meets  the  lifted  eye  that  turns 

In  contrite  prayer  to  God, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  27 

It  waxeth  brighter  as  this  world 

Fades  from  the  pilgrim's  sight. 
Then  with  a  glorious  gladness  walk 

As  children  of  the  light. 


JANUARY  XV. 

'Who  can  tell  a  man,  what  shall  be  nfter  him  under  the  Pun  T 

EctLESIAS-l 


IF  there  were  any  who  could  tell  that  tale, 
Why  need  he  wish  to  hear  ? 

Hath  he  not  known 
Enough  of  folly,  vanity,  and  wrong, 
Enough  of  baffled  trust,  and  fleeting  joy, 
To  cast  their  memory  willingly  away, 
With  his  clay  vesture  in  the  quiet  tomb  ? 

"  WJiat  shall  be  after  him  ?" 

Why  the  same  things 

That  were  before  him, — vanquished  purposes, 
Unsatisfying  honors,  empty  fame, 
Fond  treasures  that  took  wing  and  fled  away, 
Knowledge  that  sow'd  with  toil,  and  reap'd  but  wind, 
And  Hope  that  struck  its  anchor  in  the  rock 
Which  bides  the  latest  storm. 


28  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  present  time 
Is  what  concerns  tbee,  Pilgrim  ! 

Not  an  hour 

But  hath  its  sky-reporting  agencies, 
Its  faculties  for  good,  its  risk  of  sin, 
Its  chance  for  mercy,  and  its  call  for 


The  Present,  lighted  by  the  thoughtful  Past, 
Let  that  suffice. 

The  Future  is  with  God. 


JANUARY  XVI. 

"The   fear  of  the  Lord  is  his  treasure." 

ISAIAH,  xxxiii:  6. 

WHAT  is  man's  treasure?     Hoarded  gold, 

Begirt  with  fears  and  cares? 
Houses,  and  merchandise,  and  lands? 

They  pass  to  stranger  heirs. 

Ships?     With  their  snowy  pinions  spread, 
They  proudly  leave  the  shore; 

But,  smitten  by  the  wrecking  gale, 
They  sink  to  rise  no  more. 

Fashion?     The  butterfly  was  gay, 

Ere  in  the  frost  it  fell. 
Beauty  and  strength  ?     The  fever's  breath 

Their  straw-like  trust  can  tell 


DAILY    COUNSELLOK.  29 

Fame?     On  the  fickle  lip  it  dies. 

Friendship?     Alas,  the  cheat. 
Love?     Like  the  dove's  soft  wing  it  comes, 

And  glides  away  as  fleet. 

Power?     Of  the  crownless  kings  inquire, 

Who  died  with  none  to  weep. 
A  name  in  history?     Who  shall  read, 

Or  who  the  memory  keep? 

Yet  when  the  strong  archangel's  voice 

Time's  funeral  shall  proclaim, 
And  earth  and  skies,  like  blackened  scroll, 

Parch  in  the  doomsday  flame, 

With  the  true  soul  to  heaven  allied, 

One  treasure  shall  endure, 
For  God's  most  holy  fear  hath  made 

That  priceless  treasure  sure. 


JANUARY   XVII. 

"  Nonh  became  heir  of  the  righteousness  which  is  by  faith." 

HEBREWS,  xi :  7. 

THOU  hast  believed  and  triumphed;  Thou  hast  seen 
God's  truth  made  manifest,  though  all  around 

Withstood  or  doubted ;  thou  did  'st  trust  serene, 
And  when  a  sinful,  skeptic  world  was  drowned, 
3* 


30  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

In  thy  lone  vessel,  brave  the  seas  and  skies, 
Holding  thy  helmless  way  o'er  Ocean's  breast, 

And  then,  in  glorious  majesty  arise 

The  rainbow  round  thee,  and  the  storm  at  rest. 

Vouchsafe  us  strength,  Oh  Father!  so  to  keep 
Our  steadfast  course  o'er  Time's  tempestuous  sea, 

And  when  the  deluge- waters  o'er  us  sweep, 
Whelming  our  earthly  hopes — repose  on  Thee, 

Until  we  joyous  hail, — all  perils  o'er, 
The  peace-branch  and  the  dove  from  Heaven's  approach- 
ing shore. 


JANUARY  XVIII. 

"  Commune  with  your  own  heart,  on    your    bed    and    be  still." 

PSALMS,  iv:  4. 

REST  !  weary  thought,  awhile, 

By  care  and  labor  tost, 
For  thy  freshest  plumes  are  soil'd  with  dust 
And  the  fountain  hath  fail'd  of  thy  fondest  trust, 

And  thy  pilgrim-staff  is  lost. 

Come,  hope!  with  flagging  wing, 

Like  the  Ark-dove  turn  again, 
O'er  a  trackless  waste  thy  flight  hath  sped, 
Thou  hast  sought  the  living  among  the  dead, 
'Tis  fit  thy  search  were  vain. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  31 

Thou  stricken  heart,  return  1 

What  was  thy  chastening  rod? 

The  faithless  prop,  or  the  shaft  of  guile? 

The  ice-cold  glance,  or  the  treacherous  smile? 
Go !  speak  of  thy  wounds  to  God. 

Turn,  sad  and  musing  soul! 

This  hallow'd  hour  was  given 
To  gird  tliee  anew  for  the  race  of  life, 
And  to  cheer  a  clime  of  change  and  strife 

With  a  gleam  of  the  peace  of  heaven. 


JANUARY  XIX. 


;  I  will  make  them  joyful  in  my  House  of  Prnyer." 

ISAIAH,  Ivi :  7. 


COME,  broken  hearts, — and  bring  your  woes 

Unto  the  House  of  Prayer, 
The  Heavenly  Healer  waits  for  those 

Who  spread  their  sorrows  there. 

Though  every  secret  pang  you  feel 

To  Him  is  fully  known, 
He  fain  would  have  His  children  kneel 

Confiding  at  His  Throne. 

Had  ye  a  cherished  hope  that  shed 

Its  blighted  blossoms  wide? 
A  treasure  on  the  winds  that  fled? 

A  joy  that  drooped  and  died? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

And  knew  ye  not,  that  earth  and  dust 
Would  thus  the  soul  forsake? 

Rise  from  this  vanity  of  trust, 
Your  Saviour's  cross  to  take. 

For  Him  your  noblest  powers  employ, 
To  Him  confess  your  care, 

So  shall  you  learn  what  holy  joy 
Comes  from  the  Hour  of  Prayer. 


JxVNUARY   XX. 

"Owe  no  man  any  tiling,  but    to    love    one  another." 

ROMANS,  xiii  :  8. 

"  OWE  no  man  any  thing." 

Why  should  we  wish 

To  keep  what  is  not  ours?     What  right  have  we 
Unto  the  usufruct  of  others'  toil, 
Unrecompcnsed  ?     'Twere  better  to  forego 
All  luxury,  all  circumstance  of  wealth, 
Palatial  mansion,  or  patrician  robe, 
Than  have  the  secret  curses  of  the  poor, 
And,  with  the  fraud-spot  on  the  soul,  go  forth 
Unto  the  clear  Eye  of  the  Perfect  Judge. 

"Oive  no  man  any  thing,  except  to  love" 
The  debt  of  holy  love  hath  no  remorse: 
It  bringeth  blessedness. 

For  God  is  love, 
And  he  who  dwells  in  love  doth  dwell  with  Him! 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  33 

— Take  freely  of  the  fountain  that  our  Lord 
Open'd  on  earth, — "peace  and  good-will  to  man." 
Love's  debt  is  never  fully  paid,  till  Heaven 
Unlocks  the  exchequer  of  unrusting  gold; 
Bat  he  who  loveth  all  whom  God  hath  made 
Hath  foretaste  of  the  bliss  that  ne'er  shall  end. 


JANUARY  XXI. 

"He  Imtii  done  Ml  things  well." 

MARK,  vii :  37. 

DOST  see  the  cherished  hope  depart, 

That  budded  full  and  fair? 
Thy  hoarded  heritage  of  joy, 

Like  bubble,  break  in  air? 
Oh  Brother !  'tis  a  land  of  change, 

"Wherein  we  mortals  dwell, 
But  He  who  casts  our  lot  is  wise, 

lie  hath  done  all  things  ivell. 

Dost  stand  beside  the  silent  mound, 

"Where  thy  heart's  idol  lies, 
Who  wakes  no  more  thy  hand  to  clasp, 

Nor  heed,  thy  bursting  sighs  ? 
Oh  Sister !  Heaven  reclaims  its  loan !  * 

Look  up !  thine  anguish  quell, 
The  Saviour  of  thy  soul  is  kind, 

He  hath  done  all  things  well. 


34  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Dost  feel  the  life  within  thee  fade  ? 

The  senses  strive  in  vain? 
Strange  snows  thy  wasted  locks  invade, 

And  age  thy  limbs  enchain  ? 
Oh  Christian  friends !  let  no  regret 

The  approaching  transit  tell, 
Look  unto  him  who  conquered  Death, 

He  hath  done  all  things  well. 


JANUARY  XXII. 

"Remembering  your  labor  of  love  anil  patience  of  hope." 

IST  THKSSALONIANS,  i :  3. 

"  SING  me  a  song,"  said  the  little  girl, 

As  she  sate  on  her  mother's  knee, 
"  For  it  makes  me  glad  when  you  sweetly  smile, 

And  softly  sing  to  me." 
"  Tell  me  a  tale,"  said  the  rosy  boy, 

As  he  stood  by  his  mother's  side, 
But  she  turned  away  to  the  cradle-bed 

Where  her  waking  infant  cried. 
"Wait  my  darlings,"  she  tenderly  said, 

And  kissed  the  babe  as  it  clung  to  her  breast, 
So  the  little  ones  quietly  bow'd  the  head, 

For  they  felt  that  their  mother's  time  was  best ; 
And  the  heavenly  seed  of  patience  fell 
Into  their  hearts,  and  rooted  well. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  35 

At  the  door,  an  aged  man  appeared, 

His  locks  were  silvery  white, 
And  the  lady  rose  when  she  saw  her  sire 

With  a  smile  of  loving  light, 
She  drew  for  him  the  great  arm-chair, 

And  with  voice  like  music  clear, 
Pour'd  a  gentle  tide  of  cheering  thought 

Into  his  deafen'd  ear, 
Till  he  forgot  that  his  blood  was  cold, 
And  talked  with  glee  as  in  times  of  old. 
So  the  children  learn'd,  as  from  lustrous  page, 
The  holy  text  of  respect  for  age, 
And  the  blessing  of  God  is  the  fruit,  'tis  said, 
Of  reverence  paid  to  the  hoary  head. 


JANUARY  XXIII. 

"A  pure  river  of  water  of  life,  clear  as  crystal." 

REVELATION,  xxii:  1. 

GIVE  me  to  drink  thereof, 

Amid  my  toil  and  pain, 
For  those  who  freely  taste  that  stream 

Shall  never  thirst  again 

Give  me  to  bathe  therein, 

That  so  my  soul  may  be 
Cleans'd  from  all  sin,  Oh  God,  and  made 

A  temple  meet  for  thee. 


36  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Give  me  to  share  the  fruits 
Of  the  life-tree  that  grows 

Upon  its  borders,  and  whose  leaves 
Do  heal  the  nations'  woes. 

Give  me  to  launch  my  bark 

Upon  its  crystal  tide, 
And  anchor  where  its  fountain  springs, 

The  Eternal  Throne  beside. 


JANUARY  XXIV. 

"  I  will  give  him  the  mornin-r-ktnr." 

REVELATION,  ii :  28. 

THE  morning-star  of  peace, 

That  thro'  the  misty  dawn, 
Looks  forth  with  golden  eye 

O'er  mountain,  hill,  and  lawn, 
Through  lingering  clouds,  confus'd  and  dim, 
Like  warriors'  power, — I'll  give  it  him, 
His  shall  it  be 

The  morning-star  of  hope, — 
It  gleams  with  diamond  spark, 

It  gilds  its  own  blest  sphere, 
Though  all  the  world  be  dark, 

Though  its  proud  throngs  in  tumult  live, 

That  star  of  hope,— to  him  I'll  give, 
His  shall  it  be. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  37 

The  morning-star  of  love, 

That  lifts  its  perfect  ray, 
When  the  believer  goes 

From  time  to  endless  day, 
When  to  these  skies,  his  eye  grows  dim 
Iii  Death's  eclipse, — I'll  give  it  him, 
His  shall  it  be. 


JANUARY  XXV. 

"The  reapers  are  the  angels." 

MATTHEW,  xiii :  39. 

HASTE,  ere  the  gathered  shades 
Fall  on  thee  from  the  tomb  where  none  may  work, 
And  throw  a  shelter  o'er  the  orphan  head, 
Cheer  the  sad  mourner,  light  the  heathen  soul, 
And  justify  thy  Maker's  husbandry; 
So  that  His  angels,  who  go  forth  to  reap 
Earth's  ripened  harvest  for  the  judgment  day, 
Put  not  the  sickle  in  with  grief^  to  find 
The  tares  for  burning  overtop  the  wheat. 

4 


38  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 


JANUARY  XXVI. 

1  Let  us  make  us  a  Name,  lest  we  lie  scattered  abroad.'1 


GENESIS,  xi :  4. 


MAKE  to  thyself  a  name, 

Not  with  the  breath  of  clay, 
Which,  like  the  broken,  hollow  reed, 

Doth  sigh  itself  away ; 
Not  with  the  fame  that  vaunts 

The  tyrant  on  his  throne, 
And  hurls  its  stigma  on  the  soul 

That  God  vouchsafes  to  own. 

Make  to  thyself  a  name, 

Not  such  as  wealth  can  weave, 
Whose  warp  is  but  a  thread  of  gold, 

That  dazzles  to  deceive ; 
Not  with  the  tints  of  love 

Form  out  its  letters  fair, 
That  scroll  within  thy  hand  shall  fade 

Like  him  who  placed  it  there. 

Make  to  thyself  a  name, 

Not  in  the  sculptured  aisle, 
The  marble  oft  betrays  its  trust, 

Like  Egypt's  lofty  pile ; 
But  ask  of  him  who  quelled 

Of  death,  the  victor-strife, 
So  write  it  on  the  blood-bought  page 

Of  everlasting  life. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  39 


JANUARY  XXVII. 

"Who  is  among  you  thnt  feareth  the  Lord,  thnt  oheyeth  the  voice  of  his  servant,  that 
wntketh  in  darkness,  and  Imth  no  light  7  Let  him  trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay 
upon  hia  God."  ISAIAH,  1 :  10. 

ART  thou  a  Christian  ?     Though  thy  cot 
Be  rude,  and  poverty  thy  lot, 

A  wealth  is  thine  which  earth  denies, 

A  treasure  boundless  as  the  skies, 
Gold  and  the  diamond  fade  with  shame 
Before  thy  casket's  deathless  flame. 

Heir  of  high  Heaven !  how  canst  thou  sigh 

For  gilded  dross  and  vanity  ? 

Art  thou  a  Christian  ?  doomed  to  roam 
Far  from  thy  friends  and  native  home  ? 

O'er  trackless  wilds  uncheered  to  go, 

With  none  to  share  an  exile's  woe  ? 
Where'er  thou  find'st  a  Father's  care, 
Thy  country  and  thy  home  are  there. 

How  canst  thou  then  a  stranger  be, 

Surrounded  by  His  family  ? 

Art  thou  a  Christian  ?  mid  the  strife 
Of  years  mature,  and  burdened  life  ? 

Thy  heaven-born  faith  its  shield  shall  spread, 
To  guard  thee  in  the  hour  of  dread. 
Thorns  'neath  thy  bleeding  feet  may  spring, 
Unkindness  strike  its  scorpion  sting, 
Yet  in  thy  soul  a  beacon  light 
Shall  guide  thy  pilgrim  steps  aright, 
And  balm  from  God's  own  fountain  flow 
To  heal  the  wounds  of  earthly  woe. 


40  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JANUARY  XXVIII. 

"  What  is  that  to  thee  ?— follow  thou  me." 

JOHN,  xxi :  22. 

DOTH  dark  despondence  seize  thy  mind 

When  adverse  winds  prevail, 
As  though  the  guardian  care  of  heaven 

In  faithfulness  could  fail  ? 
Fear'st  thou  the  want  of  earthly  good  ? 

God  will  provide, 
The  ark  of  promise  is  his  own, 
His  hand  shall  guide. 

Doth  vain  philosophy  intrude, 

By  pride  and  error  bred  ? 
Do  doubt,  and  unbelief,  and  pain 

In  her  chill  footsteps  trend? 
Throng  they  around  the  cross  of  Christ 

That  hope  to  dim  ? 

What  has  thy  faith  to  do  with  these  ? 
Follow  thou  him. 

That  voice  which  once  to  Peter  spake 

The  grave  rebuke,  divine, 
And  bore  repentance  to  his  soul, 

A  message  hath  for  thine : — 
What  is  this  brief  and  pageant  world, 

Spirit,  to  thee? 

High  heir  of  everlasting  life, 

Follow  thou  me." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  41 


JANUARY  XXIX. 

"Out  of  weakness,  were  mode  strong." 

HEBREWS,  xi:  34. 

OH  !  girt  with  peril,  and  but  feebly  arm'd, 
Too  often  by  the  glozing  tempter  charm'd, 
In  blindness  led  to  roam  where  serpents  glide, 
And  miss  the  beckoning  of  an  angel-guide, 
Doomed  at  thine  Eden-gate  a  sword  to  see, 
Precluding  entrance  to  thy  hope  and  thee, 
Cling  to  the  Cross !  it  hath  a  power  divine, 
Though  Sinni's  thunders  roll  and  lightnings  shine. 
Cling  to  the  Cross !  thy  Saviour's  pattern  heed, 
And  make  thy  life  a  comment  on  thy  creed. 


JANUARY  XXX. 

"  He  went  round  about  the  villages,  teaching." 

MARK,  vi :  6. 

GREEN  were  thy  vales,  fair  Palestine, 
And  clear  thy  streamlets  flow, 

Where  the  Redeemer's  sacred  feet 
Went  traveling  long  ago. 

Far  from  the  city's  gorgeous  streets, 
He  turned  with  musing  thought, 

And  to  the  villages  went  forth, 
And  by  the  wayside  taught. 

He  taught  the  peasant  at  the  plough, 

The  beggar  on  the  road ; 
In  tangled  wild,  by  flood  or  field, 

The  seed  of  heaven  he  sowed. 
4* 


42  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

He  taught  them  where  the  fig-tree  boughs 
In  luscious  fragrance  wave, 

And  when  amid  the  sterile  heath, 
The  wondrous  food  he  gave. 

So  may  we,  Lord,  with  patient  hand, 
Thy  blessed  precepts  spread, 

And  strew  o'er  every  heathen  strand 
The  gospel's  living  bread, 

And  grant  us,  'mid  our  mission  toils, 
To  hear  thy  cheering  voice, 

And,  like  Judea's  villagers, 
Behold  thee,  and  rejoice ! 


JANUARY  XXXI. 

"Though  He  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him." 

JOB,  xiii :  15. 

QUESTION  not  God,  frail  Creature  of  the  Dust ! 

Make  no  conditions  where  thy  lot  shall  be, 
Ask  thou  no  pledge  of  Him.     Be  still,  and  trust ! 

Trust  and  be  joyful,  for  his  love  is  free: 
Pass  on  in  faith,  where'er  He  bids  thee  go, 

Gird  thee  with  truth,  in  sunlight  or  in  shade, 
Uproot  the  weed  of  self,  and  meekly  sow 

Sweet  seeds  of  love,  for  all  His  hand  hath  made. 
Build  not  on  rituals, — make  His  will  thy  text, 
All  shall  be  well  with  thee,  in  this  life  or  the  next. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  45 


FEBRUARY  I. 

"To  do  good  and  to  communicate,  forget  not." 

HKDRKWS,  xiii:  16. 

"  WHAT  crone  art  thou  who  wak'st  tlie  tempest's  rage, 
Head  white  with  snows,  and  forehead  grooved  with  age  ? 
Whose  frosty  breath  upon  thy  lip  congeals? 
Whose  torpid  heart  no  warm  emotion  feels?" 

Then  Winter  answered  with  a  tone  severe, 
"A  king  am  I  o'er  Nature's  ravaged  sphere, 
I  quell  the  freedom  of  her  wandering  streams, 
Her  warblers'  music,  and  her  summer  dreams, 
I  wreck  her  garlands  with  unpitying  eye, — 
Yet  some  there  are,  who  all  my  power  defy, 
Who  hail  my  scepter  with  serene  delight, 
With  cheerful  music  cheat  the  halting  night, 
With  storied  page,  or  kindly  welcomed  guest, 
Or  smile  of  love  that  thrills  the  exulting  breast. 

But  thou  who  seemest  so  much  to  dread  my  sway, 

List  to  a  spell  that  turns  its  gloom  away  ; — 

Seek  out  the  cells  where  pain  and  penury  bend, 

Where  through  wide  chasms  the  drifting  snows  descend, 

Where  the  sick  father  in  despondence  sighs, 

The  famished  mother  hears  her  infant's  cries, 

Or  sees  her  children  from  the  blast  retreat, 

With  shivering  forms,  and  cold,  uncovered  feet. 

And  if  from  scenes  like  these  the  thought  should  rise 
To  imitate  the  mercy  of  the  skies, 


46  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

With  seraph  zeal  thy  liberal  alms  bestow, 
And  scatter  blessings  o'er  the  path  of  woe : 
For  deeds  like  these  shall  soften  Winter's  sting, 
And  change  its  ices  to  the  glow  of  Spring." 


FEBRUARY  II. 

"Thy  faith  hath  made  tliee  whole." 

MARK,  x:  52. 

SIGHTLESS,  and  sorrowful,  and  scorn'd, 

Begging  beside  the  way, 
O'erlook'd  in  Pleasure's  giddy  dance, 
Or  by  some  scanty  dole,  perchance, 

Remembered,  day  by  day, 

Oh,  poor  blind  man !  a  gem  was  thine, 

Which  they  who  pass'd  thee  by, 
Discovered  not, — for  closely  hid 
Thy  tattered  garments'  fold  amid, 
It  mock'd  the  worldling's  eye. 

Faith  in  the  Son  of  God  was  thine, 

That  ray  of  quenchless  light, 
Faith  in  His  power,  who  bow'd  so  low 
To  tents  of  clay,  and  forms  of  woe, 
Faith  that  is  turned  to  sight. 

But  who  the  speechless  joy  may  tell 

That  overwhelm'd  thy  soul, 
When  sweet  as  music's  heavenly  swell, 
Those  accents  of  approval  fell, 

"  Thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  47 


FEBRUARY  III. 

"  Grieve  not  thy  futher  as  long  ns  he  liveth." 

ECCLKSIASTICUS,  iii :  12. 

AH  !  grieve  him  not,  whose  silver  hairs 
Thin  o'er  his  wasted  temples  stray, 

Grieve  not  thy  sire,  when  time  impairs 
The  glory  of  his  manhood's  sway. 

His  tottering  steps  with  reverence  aid, 
Bind  his  wan  brow  with  honor's  wreath, 

And  let  his  deafened  ear  be  made 

The  harp  where  filial  love  shall  breathe. 

What  though  his  pausing  mind  partake 

The  evils  of  its  house  of  clay, 
Though  wearied,  blinded  memory  break 

The  casket  where  her  treasures  lay, 

Still  with  prompt  arm  his  burdens  bear, 
Bring  heavenly  balm  his  wounds  to  heal, 

And  with  affection's  watchful  care, 
The  error,  that  thou  mark'st,  conceal. 

Know'st  thou  how  oft  those  powerless  arms 
Have  clasped  thee  to  his  shielding  breast, 

When  infant  woes,  or  childish  harms, 
Thy  weak,  unguarded  soul  distrest? 

Know'st  thou  how  oft  his  accents  strove 

Thine  uninstructed  mind  to  aid  ? 
How  oft  a  parent's  prayer  of  love, 

Hath  pierced  dense  midnight's  darkest  shade  ? 


48  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 

Grieve  not  thy  father,  till  he  die, 

Lest,  when  he  sleeps  in  earth's  cold  breast, 

The  record  of  his  latest  sigh 

Should  prove  a  dagger  to  thy  rest. 

For  if  this  holiest  debt  of  love 
Forgotten  or  despised  should  be, 

He  whom  thou  call'st  thy  Sire  above, 
Will  bend  a  Judge's  frown  on  thee. 


FEBRUARY  IV. 

"If  thieves  come  to  thee,  if  robbers  by  night,  would  they  not  have  stolen   till    they  had 
enough!"  OIIADIAH,  .">. 

PEOTECTION  through  the  night 

Of  silence  dark  and  deep, 
"When  lies  the  strong  man  like  the  babe, 

Helpless,  in  arms  of  sleep ; 

Protection  through  the  night, 

When  roams  the  secret  foe, 
The  robber  prowling  for  his  prey, 

And  arrn'd  for  murderous  blow ; 

Thou  hast  vouchsafed  us,  Lord, 

Our  guardian  Friend  above, 
Thou  of  the  never-slumbering  eye, 

The  ever-watchful  love. 

Let  our  first  waking  thoughts 

In  gratitude  adore, 
And  be  our  renovated  powers 

Thy  servants  evermore. 


DAILY   COUNSELLOR.  49 


FEBRUARY  V. 

"  A  little  lower  than  the  angels." 

HEBREWS,  ii:  7. 

NOT  yet,  with  harps  that  never  tire 
We  tread  our  devious  ways, 

But  with  the  harmony  of  soul 
That  hourly  whispers  praise, 

Not  yet,  with  wings  that  night  and  day 

Jehovah's  work  fulfill, 
But  with  these  willing  hands  and  feet 

Intend  to  do  His  will, 

Not  yet,  with  smiles  that  never  know 
A  change  from  sorrow's  sphere, 

Not  yet  with  eyes  that  never  show 
The  darkening  of  a  tear, 

But  in  the  same  paternal  school, 

We  both,  instruction  find, 
They  the  first  class, — the  angel  grade, — 

And  we  a  step  behind. 

A  "little  lower"  now,  but  soon 

Beside  them,  hand  in  hand, 
We,  of  their  "  goodly  company  " 

Before  the  throne  shall  stand. 

5 


50  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


FEBRUARY  VI. 

'If  thou  faint  in  the  day  of  adversity,  thy  strength 


PROVERBS,  xxiv:  10 


CLOUDS  that  o'er  the  noon-tide  sweep, 
Storms  that  vex  the  billowy  deep, 
Blights  that  blast  the  cherish'd  bower, 
Frosts  that  nip  the  opening  flower, 
Shafts  that  fright  the  tuneful  grove, 
Frowns  that  chill  the  glance  of  love, 
If  they  meet  thee,  faint  thou  not, 
Such  must  mark  the  pilgrim's  lot. 

From  the  cloud  the  sun  shall  break, 
Ocean  sleep  like  peaceful  lake, 
Spring  recall  with  magic  tread 
What  the  frost-king  left  for  dead, 
"Warbling  birds  their  nests  resume, 
Flickering  love  its  smile  relume, 
Small  the  strength  that  faints  in  grief 
At  adversity  so  brief. 


FEBRUARY  VII. 

"No  room  for  them  in  the  inn." 
LVKB,  ii :  7. 

THOU  who  on  earth  did'st  find, 

No  room  in  Bethlehem's  inn, 
Say,  can'st  Thou  deign  thy  home  to  make 

In  these,  our  hearts  of  sin  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  51 

Too  narrow  are  they  ?     Break 

Of  bigotry  the  fence, 
And  cast  the  idols  out,  and  drive 

The  money-changers  thence. 

Are  they  too  wintry?     Strike 

The  flint  with  steel  divine, 
Kindling  a  flame  of  holy  love 

To  comfort  and  refine. 
Are  they  too  dark,  my  Lord? 

The  lamp  of  knowledge  light, 
And  bid  it  through  their  windows  stream 

With  radiance  pure  and  bright : 

So,  though  thine  infant  head, 

Wrapped  in  its  veil  of  clay, 
Found  only  in  a  manger  rude 

A  pillow  where  to  lay, 
Now  o'er  a  ransomed  host 

Exalted  high  to  reign, 
Come, — Saviour, — to  our  hearts  and  dwell 

With  all  thine  angel  train. 


FEBRUARY  VIII. 


'  The  sea  hath  spoken." 

I' M MI,  xxiii  :  4. 


LIFT  up  thy  thunder- voice,  thou  solemn  sea ! 
I  fain  would  be  a  pupil  of  thy  lore. 

• Earth  speaks  of  man.     Her  castellated  tower, 

Palace,  and  obelisk,  and  pyramid, 
All  tell  of  man. 


52  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Yea,  even  the  changeful  sky, 
Of  richest  garniture,  the  purple  robe 
For  morning,  and  the  noon-day  tissued  dress 
Of  blue  and  silver,  and  the  evening  garb, 
Spangled  with  stars,  or  broider'd  by  the  moon, 
Bo  sometimes  seem  (may  Heaven  forgive  the  thought,) 
Like  a  fair  woman  in  her  coquetry. 

But  thou  dost  speak  alone  of  God, — thou  sea ! 

Thou  wonder-working,  mortal-mocking  sea ; 
Teach  me  of  Him,  whose  name  is  on  thy  lip, 
And  hid  in  thy  deep  heart. 

I  bow  me  down, 

Wooing  thy  billows  in  their  fearful  play, 
And  when  dense  darkness  shades  their  crested  heads, 
Kneel  in  my  utter  nothingness  to  Him 
Who  counts  thy  congregated  world  of  waves 
But  as  a  noteless  dew-drop. 


FEBRUARY  IX. 


"  A  deep  sleep  from  the  Lord  wns  fallen  upon  them." 
IXT  SAMUK 


THEY  fell  asleep.     The  weary  heat 

And  burden  of  the  day 
Oppress'd  them,  and  their  failing  feet 

Have  halted  by  the  way. 

Some,  in  the  hallowed  place  of  graves, 
Some,  where  the  prairies  spread, 

And  some,  in  ocean's  coral  caves, 
Have  found  a  dreamless  bed. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.       (  53 

While  others,  'mid  the  Arctic  pines, 

And  over  drifting  snows, 
Or  where  the  sunny  tropic  shines, 

Share  undisturbed  repose. 

Let  grief  forego  her  hopeless  cares, 

Nor  in  despondence  weep, 
A  holy  hush  should  sure  be  theirs 

Whom  God  hath  laid  to  sleep. 


FEBRUARY  X. 

"  He  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost." 

HEBREWS,  vii :  525. 

THE  uttermost, — upon  the  skirts 

Of  the  far  host  of  life, 
Who  share  not,  on  the  heights  of  power 

Its  glory,  or  its  strife ; 
They  bear  the  burden  and  the  toil, 

Nor  banner  lift,  nor  plume, 
Yet  there's  an  Eye  that  marks  them  all 

Amid  their  rayless  gloom. 

The  uttermost, — the  last  in  sin, 

The  lost,  whom  men  condemn, 
And  banish  from  the  realm  of  hope, 

He  careth  even  for  them ; 
He  listeneth  at  their  prison-grate 

For  prayer,  or  contrite  sigh, 
He  knocketh  long,  he  knocketh  late, 

Even  where  is  no  reply. 


54  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  uttermost,— till  life  recedes, 

Even  to  the  latest  sand 
Of  time's  most  frail  and  brittle  glass, 

He  still  doth  waiting  stand ; 
He  bendeth  o'er  the  dying  man 

Till  the  glazed  eye  is  dim, 
He  saveth  to  the  uttermost, 

That  all  may  trust  in  Him. 


FEBRUARY  XL 

"  In  the  garden  a  new  sepulcher." 

JOHN,  xix :  41. 

MOURN  not  ye,  whose  babe  hath  found 
Purer  skies,  and  firmer  ground, 
Flowers  of  bright,  perennial  hue, 
Free  from  thorns,  and  fresh  with  dew, 
Founts  that  tempests  never  stir, 
Gardens  without  sepulcher. 

Mourn  not  ye,  whose  babe  hath  sped, 
From  this  region  of  the  dead, 
To  yon  blessed  cherub  band, 
Golden  lute  and  glorious  land, 
Where  no  tempter's  sinful  art 
Clouds  the  brow,  or  stains  the  heart. 

Knowledge  in  that  clime  doth  grow 
Free  from  weeds  of  pride  and  woe, 
Peace,  whose  olive  never  fades, 
Love,  undimmed  by  sorrow's  shades, 
Joy,  which  mortals  may  not  share,— 
Mourn  not  ye,  whose  babe  is  there. 


DAILY   COUNSELLOR.  55 


FEBRUARY  XII. 

"  Leaving  us  an  example,— that   ye  should  follow  His  steps." 

IST  PETKR,  ii :  21. 

HE  taught  as  with  His  heavenward  eye, 

His  holy  smile  of  guiding  ray, 
Sweet  parable  and  precept  high, 

To  choose  the  strait  and  narrow  way 

He  went  before, — the  path  He  chose 
"Was  that  which  lowliest  pilgrims  tread, 

A  patient  brotherhood  with  those 
Who  had  not  where  to  lay  the  head. 

He  crush'd  within  their  dark  retreat 
The  thorns  of  tyranny  and  pride, 

"While  'neath  His  bare  and  bleeding  feet 
Ambition's  trampled  laurel  died. 

To  mournful  Olivet  He  turn'd, 

His  temples  bathed  in  midnight  dew, 

And  gazing  stars  astonish'd  burn'd 
The  meekness  of  their  Lord  to  view. 

He  walk'd  upon  the  raging  deep 

Where  vengeful  passions  foam  and  toss, 

And  bade  their  wildest  billows  creep, 

As  vassals,  round  the  blood-stain'd  Cross. 

So  teach  us,  Lord!  in  faith  to  live, 
In  hope  to  toil, — in  love  to  bear,— 

Nor  like  the  bold  disciple  strive, 

Without  Thine  aid,  the  wave  to  dare; 


56  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

So  guide  us  o'er  this  treacherous  shore, 
Where  quicksands  hide,  and  surges  break, 

That  all  our  earthly  wanderings  o'er, 
Thy  fold  we  reach,  thy  rest  partake. 


FEBRUARY  XIII. 

1  Until  the  day  dawn,  and  the  day-star  arise  in  your  hearts." 

2ND  I'KTER,  ! :    19. 

OH,  dawn  of  blessed  light, 

That  through  the  shades  of  night, 

With  radiance  pale, 
Com'st  like  a  white-robed  guest, 
To  eye  and  brow  and  breast, 

We  bid  thee  hail. 

Not  as  to  orbs  made  blind, 
That  gaze,  but  may  not  find 

Thy  cheering  beam, 
To  us,  from  tower  and  tree, 
Thy  tender  tracery 

Doth  gently  gleam. 

Not  as  to  those  who  grope, 
Devoid  of  heaven's  high  hope, 

In  Pagan  night, 
Thou  visitest  our  land, 
For  a  dear,  pierced  Hand 

Hath  given  it  light. 

Dim  dawn,  with  tresses  gray, 
How  soon  thou  fad'st  away, — 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  57 

Opening  the  gate 
Through  which,  in  glory  born, 
Rides  forth  the  sceptered  morn, 

In  royal  state. 

Sweet  gift  from  Him  above, 
Whose  unforgetful  love 

Doth  never  sleep : 
Unto  His  name  be  praise, 
While  changeful  nights  and  days 

Their  order  keep. 


FEBRUARY  XIV. 


i  are  better  th«n  one." 

ECCLESIASTES,  iv:  9. 


THIS  transient  life,  the  poets  say, 

At  best,  is  but  a  wintry  day : 

Yet  when  two  hearts  with  courage  true 

Unite  to  dare  its  tempests  through, 

And  catch  the  sunbeams  as  they  flow, 

With  added  warmth,  each  beam  shall  glow, 

For  hallow'd  love  its  light  shall  lend 

When  clouds  grow  dark,  or  rains  descend. 

Yea,  more, — if  with  combin'd  intent 

On  Bethlehem's  star  their  eyes  are  bent, 

If  by  the  chart  a  Saviour  gave 

Their  course  they  steer  o'er  rock  and  wave, 

Unscath'd  they'll  ride  the  billow's  foam, 

His  smile  their  strength, — His  Heaven  their  home. 


58  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


FEBRUARY  XV. 

"This  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another." 

JOHN,  xv :  12. 

WE  keep  the  old  commandment,  "eye  for  eye, 
And  tooth  for  tooth,"  striving  with  sleepless  zeal 
To  pluck  the  mote  from  out  our  brother's  creed, 
Till  charity's  neglected  plant  doth  need 
The  water-drop  and  die. 

We  watch  and  weigh 
The  doctrine,  till  the  blessed  spirit  'scapes, 
And  in  the  measuring  of  our  cummin-seeds 
Forget  the  shining  of  that  star  of  love 
Which  never  sets. 

Yea,  even  the  heathen  tribes, 
Who  from  our  mission-zeal,  'mid  chaos  dark, 
First  heard  the  "fiat-lux," — and  joyous  come 
Like  Lazarus  from  his  grave, — bewildered  ask 
What  guide  to  follow,  for  they  see  the  men 
They  took  for  angels,  seek  the  banner'd  field 
For  Paul,  or  for  Apollos,  warring  there, 
Till  they  forget  that  they  are  one  in  Christ. 

Dear  Saviour,  grave  on  our  obedient  hearts 
Thy  new  commandment, — that  its  simple  clue 
Guiding  us  safely  through  life's  labyrinth, 
May  reach  Heaven's  gate. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  59 


FEBRUARY  XVI. 

"  Ruth  clave  unto  her." 

IU-TH.  i :  14. 

"WHERE  tbou  goest,  I  will  go," 

Thus  the  Moabitess  said, 
"Where  thou  dwellest,  I  will  dwell, 

Where  thou  lodgest,  rest  my  head. 
Where  thou  diest,  I  will  die, 
Where  thou  mak'st  thy  grave,  wilt  lie." 

Sweetly  stole  those  filial  words 
O'er  the  widow'd  mother's  heart, 

Giving  strength  her  griefs  to  bear, 
Power  from  cherish'd  scenes  to  part; 

Not  an  exile  now  to  roam, 

Light  should  cheer  her  childless  home. 

Blessed  Love  of  Gratitude! 

Xot  by  blinded  instinct  led, 
Not  on  selfish  gain  intent, 

Not  by  fickle  dew-drops  fed ; 
Man  may  fail  thy  worth  to  tell, 
Angels  comprehend  thee  well. 

Blessed  Love  of  Gratitude ! 

With  thy  fair  array  of  graces, 
Welcomed  shalt  thou  be  above, 

Where  the  seraphs  veil  their  faces; 
Where  they  cry  with  one  accord, 
Holy!  Holy!  is  the  Lord. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


FEBRUARY  XVII. 

"Marvel  not  my  brethren,  if  the  world  hnte  you." 

IST  JOHN,  iii:  13. 

SAY,  what  avails  it  him,  whose  course 
Is  upward  like  the  unresting  flame, 

Though  shafts  of  malice  spend  their  force 
Against  the  texture  of  his  fame; 

Or  what  avails  the  taunt  of  sin 

That  falsehood  o'er  his  deeds  may  roll, 

If  truth's  pure  diamond  dwell  within 
The  crystal  casket  of  his  soul ; 

Or  what  avails  the  scowl  of  hate 
To  pitying,  Nature's  pilgrim -guest, 

For  whom  approving  seraphs  wait, 
In  bowers  of  everlasting  rest. 

Yet  must  he  daily  strive  to  keep 

Uncaus'd,  the  world's  condemning  frown, 
Nor  let  its  memory  rankle  deep, 

But  firmly,  kindly,  live  it  down, 

And  following  still  that  Glorious  Friend, 
For  whom  the  crown  of  thorns  was  wove, 

To  evil, — gentleness  extend, 
And  conquer  enmity  by  love. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  61 


FEBRUARY    XVIII. 

"Touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities." 

HEBREWS,  4:  15. 

YON  stranger  see, — who  lonely  roves, 

An  exile  from  the  land  he  loves, 

Oh  Thou !  who  here  on  earth  didst  tread 

Without  a  home  to  lay  thy  head, 

And  only  'neath  one  cottage  shade, 

In  Bethany,  wert  welcome  made, 

Speak  peace,  where  deep  despondence  sighs, 

And  point  to  mansions  in  the  skies. 

The  mourner  droops, — with  heaving  breast, 
Low,  where  his  buried  idols  rest, — 
Dear  Saviour !  who  didst  meekly  shed 
The  tear  of  grief  o'er  friendship's  bed, 
And  with  the  sorrowing  sisters  share 
The  balm  of  sympathy  and  prayer, 
Look  downward, — let  thy  mercy  flow, 
And  deign  to  soothe  the  pang  of  woe. 

The  death-struck,  on  his  couch  of  pain, 
Finds  every  earthly  solace  vain, 
The  eye  is  glaz'd, — the  spirit  faint, 
Eemember,  Lord !  thy  suffering  saint, 
Thou  who  didst  tread  the  shadowy  vale, 
Mid  fearful  shapes,  and  horrors  pale, 
Infuse  thy  strength  when  nature  dies, 
And  to  thy  presence  bid  him  rise. 


62  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


FEBRUARY  XIX. 

"Clouds  and  darkness  are  roundabout  Him: — righteousness  nnd  judgment  are  the  habita- 
tion of  His  throne."  PSALMS,  xcvii :  2. 

MY  God,  I  would  not  doubt 

Thy  wisdom  or  thy  grace, 
Although  the  clouds  may  sometimes  vail 

The  brightness  of  thy  face. 

I  would  not  dread  the  hand 

That  doth  my  life  control, 
Even  if  the  instruments  are  sharp 

That  search  and  try  the  soul. 

I  would  not  shrink  to  yield 

The  treasure  or  the  friend, 
That  with  infinitude  of  love 

Thou  didst  vouchsafe  to  lend. 

I  would  not  dare  resist 

Thy  counsels  or  thy  sway, 
Beggar,  and  borrower  on  thine  earth, 

And  soon  to  pass  away. 

I  would  not  e'er  forsake 

The  strengtli  that  can  not  fail, 
A  poor,  blind  wanderer  of  the  dust, 

An  atom  on  the  gale. 

I  would  not  plant  my  hope 

Where  all  things  change  and  die; 

But,  anchored  on  thy  word  of  truth, 
Look  upward  to  the  sky. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  63 


FEBRUARY  XX. 

"  Which  things  the  Angels  desire  to  look  into." 

IST  PBTKR,  i :  12. 

ANGELS,  great  in  power  and  might, 
Dwellers  in  a  realm  of  light, 
Lost  in  wonder,  bend  to  see 
Jesus  in  humility, 
Robed  in  clay,  and  manger-born 
To  a  life  of  woe  and  scorn. 

But  on  man,  who  spurns  the  Cross, 
Counts  a  Saviour's  love  as  dross, 
Bushes  madly  toward  the  tomb, 
Reckless  of  a  sinner's  doom, 
With  more  deep  and  sad  amaze, 
Fixes  their  ethereal  gaze, 
Than  on  Calvary's  flinty  head, 
Though  its  terrors  woke  the  dead. 


FEBRUARY  XXI. 

"Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  pence  whose  mind  is  stnyed  on  Thee." 

ISAIAH, 

THE  rains  descended,  and  the  floods 

My  soul's  foundations  tried, 
"While  one  by  one  each  cherished  hope 

Like  waning  rush-lights  died, 


i:  3. 


64  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

And,  lone  and  desolate,  I  heard 

The  elemental  din; 
Yet  light  amid  the  darkness  broke, — 

A  sunbeam  shone  within. 

Out  on  the  crested  surge  I  rode, 

"When  the  great  sea  arose, 
And  challenged  with  its  thunder-cry 

The  stormy  winds  as  foes; 
Then  barks  were  wrecked,  and  men  went  down 

Beneath  the  billowy  brine, 
But,  in  that  tempest  of  despair, 

The  sunbeam  still  was  mine, 

The  stay  on  GW,— I'll  hold  it  fast, 

In  peril  and  in  pain, 
Until  that  glorious  Sun  arise 

That  ne'er  shall  set  again. 
Oh  when,  by  death's  grim  phantom  led 

I  tread  the  shadowy  vale, 
Still  may  that  perfect  peace  be  mine, 

Though  flesh  and  heart  should  fail. 


FEBRUARY  XXII. 

"Mark  the  perfect  man  nnd  behold  the  upright." 

PSALMS,  xxx 

WEEP  for  the  smitten  bud  that  falls 

Untimely  from  the  stem, 
And  ne'er  in  fond  affection's  eye 

Must  glass  its  glowing  gem, 
Nor  in  its  folded  bosom  know 
The  joy  that  noontide  suns  bestow. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  65 

"Weep  for  the  reprobate,  who  steals 

Unhonor'd  to  the  dust, 
Life's  highest  purpose  unachiev'd, 

And  scorn'd  its  holiest  trust, — 
Yes,  weep  for  him  who  stain'd  the  scroll 
And  mock'd  the  Giver  of  his  soul. 

But  as  for  him,  whose  mortal  span 

Completes  its  perfect  round, 
His  gifts  well-used, — his  length  of  days 

With  hallow'd  luster  crown'd, 
No  tears  for  him, — he  gains  the  bliss 
Of  more  exalted  spheres  than  this: 

N"o  tears, — save  what  the  heart  of  love 

For  its  own  loss  must  weep, 
But  yield  his  fame  to  History's  hand 

For  unborn  time  to  keep ; 
Lift  high  the  page,  that  earth  shall  see 
What  Heaven  can  give,  and  man  may  be. 


FEBRUARY  XXIII. 

"Continual  weeping  «hnll  go  op." 

JEREMIAH,  xlriii:  5. 

AGE, — wan  with  sorrow,  bows  him  down, 
Strong  manhood  learns  to  weep, 

A  tear  is  on  the  infant's  cheek, 
Even  'mid  its  cradle-sleep; 


66  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Grief  ever  weepeth, — 'tis  her  wont, 

Like  an  o'erflowing  tide, 
Love,  in  the  boasted  triumph-hour 

A  woman's  heart  doth  hide; 

Hope  weepeth, — to  the  treacherous  sands 
She  gave  her  anchor's  trust, 

Joy  weepeth, — for  her  garlands  fade 
And  withering  fall  to  dust; 

Ambition  weepeth, — laurel-crown'd, 

No  other  world  he  knows 
To  conquer  with  insatiate  pride, 

He  weepeth  as  he  goes. 

Oh  Thou,  who  from  the  angel-choirs 
Dost  bend  thy  gracious  ear, 

And  listen  to  the  blended  sound 
Of  prayer  and  dropping  tear, 

Have  pity  on  this  weeping  globe 

As  on  its  course  it  strays, 
Have  pity  on  its  mourning  race 

And  turn  their  tears  to  praise. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  67 


FEBRUARY  XXIV. 

"  Ye  that  fear  the  Lord, — hope  for  good." 

ECCLESIASTICUS,  ii: 

Do  the  clouds  around  thee  gather, 
Making  dark  thy  solitude? 
Each  one  hath  an  inward  shining, 
Each  one  hath  a  silver  lining, 

Hope  for  good ! 

Hath  thy  trusted  friend  deceived  thee, 
Who  in  sunshine  near  thee  stood? 
Christ  hath  borne  that  woe  before  thee, 
Let  His  patient  love  restore  thee, 
Hope  for  good ! 

Doth  the  child  thy  bosom  nourish'd, 
Leave  thee  to  Misfortune's  flood? 
All  unpitying  see  thee  languish  ? 
Still,  amid  that  keenest  anguish, 
Hope  for  good. 

Should  all  cherish'd  props  forsake  thee 
While  earth's  tempests  threaten  rude 
Heir  of  an  immortal  nature 
Looking  to  the  true  Creator, 

Hope  for  good. 


68  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 


FEBRUARY  XXV. 

"When  they  were  nwnke,  they  snw  His  glory." 

LUM.IX:  32. 

HEAVY  they  were  with  sleep, 
The  chosen  three,  that  day, 

Who  to  the  lonely  mountain -steep 
Went  up  with  Christ,  to  pray. 

But  when  their  eyes  unseal'd, 
And  the  deep  trance  was  o'er, 

An  overshadowing  cloud  reveal'd 
Glory  unseen  before. 

Lord ! — loose  the  chains  that  bind, 

In  tyranny  of  night, 
Our  earth-bow'd,  overladen  minds 

From  faith's  entrancing  light, 

And  when  pale  Death  shall  break 
This  fleshly  Nature's  ties, 

Bid  us  to  thy  full  glory  wake, 
And  in  thine  image  rise. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  69 


FEBRUARY  XXVI. 

"  Wlmt  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  du  jiutly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  hum- 
bly with  thy  God  1 "  MICAH,  vi :  8. 

Do  justly :  'tis  thy  God's  command, 

The  mandate  of  thy  King, 
Be  prompt  in  rendering  dues  to  all, 
And  let  no  fraud-spot,  great  or  small, 

Unto  thy  conscience  cling. 

Love  mercy :  thou  who  need'st  its  aid 

Through  all  this  mortal  strife, 
Whose  highest  thought,  whose  purest  deed 
Must  still  divine  forbearance  need, 

Love  that  which  is  thy  life. 

Walk  humbly:  thou  so  soon  to 

Beneath  the  noteless  sod, 
For  how  can  dust  and  ashes  dare 
The  panoply  of  pride  to  wear ! 

Walk  humbly  with  thy  God. 


FEBRUARY  XXVII. 

"  Her  merchandise  and  her  hire  shall  be  holiness  to  the  Lord  ;— it  shall  not  be  treasured,  nor 
laid  up."  ISAIAH,  xxiii:  18. 

HEARKEN,  hearken, — man  of  care, 
Toiling  for  thine  unknown  heir, 
Gaining  with  a  wearied  breast, 
Many  wrinkles,  little  rest, 


70  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Hast  thou  sons? — instruction  lend 
How  to  make  their  God  their  friend, 
Hast  thou  daughters? — teach  the  bliss 
Of  a  better  world  than  this. 
Strive  not  thus  to  leave  behind 
Wealth  that  may  their  spirits  blind. 

Hearken,  hoarder ! — soon  to  part 
From  the  gold  that  rules  the  heart, 
Other  feet  must  tread  thy  lands, 
Keys  be  turn'd  by  stranger  hands, 
Why  shouldst  thou  thy  soul  deny 
Thanks  that  light  the  tearful  eye? 
Ere  stern  Death  his  debt  shall  take, 
Eectify  thy  long  mistake, 
Strew  thy  treasures  where  they  yield 
Kich  reward  in  heavenly  field. 

Hearken,  Christian,  who  would  still 
Fain  obey  thy  Master's  will, 
If  thy  merchandise  and  hire 
Kindle  Penury's  winter  fire, 
Break  the  bread  to  hunger's  child, 
Pour  a  light  o'er  pagan  wild, 
If  until  thine  eye  grow  dim, 
They  be  holiness  to  Him, 
And  His  love  inspire  thy  breast, 
All  thou  hast  on  earth,  is  blest. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  71 


FEBRUARY  XXVIII. 

''  Forget  not  the  sorrows  of  tliy  Mother." 

Ect-LEsiASTicrs,  vii :  27. 

KNOW'ST  tliou  what  those  sorrows  were, 
Borne  in  secret,  day  and  night, 

Taxing  every  burdened  nerve, 
Ere  thine  eyes  beheld  the  light? 

Know'st  thou  what  unuttered  dread, 

Anguish  even  unto  death, 
Pangs  of  agony  untold, 

Won  to  earth  thy  first-born  breath? 

Know'st  thou  how  her  heart  went  forth, 

"Watching  o'er  thy  cradle-bed, 
When  a  thousand  infant  ills 

Drew  in  ambush  round  thy  head? 

Know'st  thou  what  a  weight  of  woe 

All  her  inmost  spirit  bow'd 
When  for  thee  her  wailing  prayer 

Pierc'd  dense  midnight's  darkest  cloud; 

When  for  all  thy  faults  she  sought 

Pardon  from  the  God  of  love, 
And  a  mansion  for  thy  soul 

Mid  the  realms  of  bliss  above? 

If  thou  know'st  them  not, — beware, 

Lest  indifference  or  disdain, 
With  unfilial  word  or  deed, 

Eecompense  her  toil  and  pain  ; 


72  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 

Lest  that  God  who  marks  thy  path, 
Holds  thee  ever  in  His  sight, 

Should  with  pain  of  righteous  wrath 
Such  ingratitude  requite. 


FEBRUARY  XXIX. 

"  A  fire  on  the  hearth." 


"A  FIEE  on  the  hearth." 

In  his  palace  of  state, 
The  son  of  Josiah,  with  majesty  sate, 
And  proudly  the  crown  of  Judea  he  bore, 
But  a  Monarch  was  there,  an  Usurper  of  yore, 
Grey  Winter,  with  scepter  of  adamant  made, 
And  his  tax  on  the  king,  as  the  peasant,  he  laid. 

"A  fire  on  the  hearth." 

In  this  cold  clime  of  ours, 

Where  there's  ice  in  the  fountain  and  frost  on  the  flowers, 
And  a  chill  in  the  heart  of  the  worldling,  if  woe, 
Or  Penury  invoke  what  his  wealth  might  bestow, 
A  warmth  for  the  soul,  in  our  prayers  we  should  claim, 
And  the  breath  of  God's  spirit  to  kindle  the  flame. 

"A  fire  on  the  hearth." 

Let  it  burn  till  we  die, 

A  pure  Christian  love  should  the  fuel  supply, 
Let  its  embers  glow  on,  to  enlighten  their  gloom 
Who  mourn  for  our  loss,  when  we  sleep  in  the  tomb, — 
When  we  sleep  in  the  tomb  and  our  spirits  attain 
The  realm  where  no  Winter  hath  license  to  reign. 


ardu 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  75 


MARCH  I. 

"For  Lo! — the  Winter  is  pnst." 

SONO  or  SOLOMON,  ii:  11. 

STRIKE  the  glad  harp  with  joyous  cheer, 
The  long-expected  Spring  is  here ! 
And  see! — cold  snows  descend  no  more, 
The  frost-king  flies,  his  reign  is  o'er, 
Bright  streams,  so  long  in  chains  congeal'd, 
Eush  singing  down  o'er  vale  and  field, 
While  here  and  there,  warm  rocks  about, 
The  first-born  violets  venture  out, 
The  jay,  his  blue  wing  spreads  elate, 
The  red-breast  answereth  to  her  mate, 
While  many  a  bird  from  climes  more  blest, 
Eeturns  to  build  its  northern  nest 
And  bid  the  forest  arch  prolong 
The  sweetness  of  their  varied  song. 

Heart! — is  there  winter  in  thy  strain? 
Do  lingering  frosts  thy  warmth  enchain  ? 
Break  silence ! — breathe  melodious  lays ! 
Awake  thine  eloquence  of  praise 
To  Him  who  quickeneth  Nature's  breath 
And  warns  thee  from  the  sleep  of  death. 


76  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  II. 

"Those  that  seek  me  early,  shall  find  me." 

PROVERBS,  viii:  17. 

HAIL  young  disciple ! — who  with  early  feet 

From  the  broad  pathway  of  the  world  hast  fled, 
And  listening  to  thy  Lord  with  reverence  meet, 
In  due  obedience  bow'd  thy  gentle  head, 

How  beautiful  to  heed  that  Heavenly  Friend, 
In  the  first  freshness  of  thy  budding  prime, 

Before  the  clouds  grow  dark,  the  rains  descend, 
Or  o'er  thy  bright  locks  steal  the  frosts  of  time: 

So,  from  all  tempters  that  infest  the  fold, 

May  His  protecting  favor  hold  thee  free, 
Safe  from  all  ills,  till  life's  brief  hour  be  told, 

Sweet,  trusting  spirit,  may  He  shelter  thee, 

Till  to  that  radiant  sky  'tis  thine  to  soar 
Where  storms  shall  blight  the  rose,  and  toss  the  bark  no 
more. 


MARCH   III. 

•The  Spider  tnketh  hold  with  her  hands,  and  is  in  kings'  pnlnces." 

PROVERBS, 

SEE  !  with  what  untiring  skill 
What  an  energy  of  will, 
All  unaided,  all  forlorn, 
Housewife's  hate,  and  beauty's  scorn, 
How  the  Spider  builds  her  bower 
High  in  halls  of  regal  power. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  77 

Is  the  mansion  of  thy  care 
Made  by  wealth  and  taste  so  fair, 
By  Misfortune's  fearful  sway, 
Laid  in  dust?  or  reft  away? 
Yield  no  thought  to  blank  despair; 
Firm  in  faith,  and  strong  in  prayer, 
Eise ! — the  ruin  to  repair. 

For  the  Spider,  homeless  made, 

Hunted  from  each  loved  retreat, 
Not  dejected,  not  afraid, 
Toiling  thro'  the  gloomiest  shade, 

Gathereth  vigor  from  defeat: 
Child  of  Reason ! — deign  to  see 
What  an  insect  teacheth  thee. 


MARCH  IV. 

'  Every  branch  that  beareth  fruit,  He  purgeth  it,  that  it  may  bring  forth  more  fruit." 

JOHN,  zv :  2. 

OH, — if  I  am  a  branch 

Of  the  blest  Saviour's  vine, 
And  on  His  quickening  love  depend 

For  life  and  fruit  divine, 

Let  me  not  start  nor  shrink 

In  wild,  despairing  grief, 
Though  the  sharp  pruning-knife  remove 

The  too  redundant  leaf, 


78  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Or  the  unsightly  shoot 

Unsparing  shred  away, 
Or  lop  the  excrescent  wood,  that  tends 

To  weakness  and  decay: 

The  lacerating  steel 

The  unerring  Hand  doth  wield, 
And  to  its  ministry  severe 

In  tearful  trust  I  vield. 


MARCH  Y. 

"Let  us  therefore  fenr,   lest  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into  His  rest,  any  of  you 
should  fceem  to  come  short  of  it.'*  HEBREWS,  iv:  1. 

PAUSE,  thinking  brain !  pause,  throbbing  heart ! 

Pause,  overladen  breast! 
Turn  to  the  window  of  the  Ark, 
That  peaceful  rides  the  surges  dark, 

There  is  thy  rest. 

Behold,  that  casement  openeth  wide 

To  hail  the  entering  guest, 
A  pierced  Hand  is  stretching  there, 
Soul ! — fold  thy  wearied  wing,  and  share 

The  promised  rest. 

Long  hast  thou  roamed  the  deluge  wide, 

Unsheltered  and  unblest, — 
Hark !  Hark !  the  Master  calleth  thee, 
Obey  His  gracious  voice,  and  be 

Ever  at  rest. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  79 


MARCH  VI. 

11  Look  not  behind  thee  ;  neither  stay  thou  in  all  the  plain." 

GENESIS,  xix:  17. 

LOOK  not  behind !  youv'e  broke  the  chain 
That  bound  to  folly  and  despair; 

Press  onward  to  the  glorious  land, 
Nor  falter  till  you  enter  there. 

Look  not  behind !  unnumbered  snares 
Are  for  the  loitering  Christian  spread, 

False  hopes,  strong  habits,  wild  desires, 
And  ruin's  pitfalls  dark  and  dread. 

Look  not  behind !  a  blighting  curse 

Was  hers  who  paus'd  at  Sodom's  bound, 

She,  lingering,  loved  those  haunts  of  sin, 
And  fearful  retribution  found. 

Look  not  behind !  'tis  Satan's  lure 
To  tempt  you  to  his  realm  again ; 

The  guiding  angel  bids  you  haste, 
And  tarry  not  in  all  the  plain. 

Escape  for  life!  the  flames  of  wrath 
Are  reddening  on  the  winged  wind, 

See  Zoar's  sacred  refuge  nigh, 

Escape  for  life ! — look  not  behind ! 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  VII. 

"He  left  all,— rose  up,— and  followed  him." 

LUKE,  v :  28. 

LEFT  all. — the  business  of  his  life, 
Long  habit's  wreathed  chain, 

The  earnest  gathering-in  of  gold, 
The  close  pursuit  of  gain, 

And  love  of  money, — prone  to  sway, 

And  sweep  all  other  loves  away. 

Rose  up, — was  there  no  early  friend 

To  stay  the  new  career? 
The  impulsive  loyalty  to  mock? 

Or  at  the  madness  sneer 
Of  following  One,  with  servile  tread, 
Who  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head  ? 

Left  all, — rose  up, — and  followed  Him! 

With  an  undoubting  love, 
The  meek,  the  lowly,  the  divine, 

Whose  kingdom  was  above : 
Thus  may  we  do,  O,  Master  dear, 
When  thine  awakening  call  we  hear. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  81 


MARCH  VIII. 

'Rooted  and  built  up  in  Him,  and  stublished  in  the  fnith." 

COLOSSIANS,  ii:  7. 

HEED  no  blast  that  bloweth, 

Though  it  rock  the  tree, 
Heed  no  stream  that  floweth> 

Torrent  though  it  be, 
Fear  no  cloud  that  thunders 

O'er  the  concave  din, 
Best  thee  in  His  strength  and  merit, 
Who  forsakes  no  trusting  spirit, 

Eooted  and  built  up  in  Him. 

Heed  no  wind  of  doctrine, 

Toward  the  haven  steer, 
Guided  by  the  pole-star, 

Though  the  proudest  veer, 
Make  God's  Book  thy  pilot, 

O'er  the  billowy  brine, 
Let  no  varying  chart  deceive  thee, 
Let  no  erring  leader  grieve  thee, 

Stablish'd  in  the  faith  divine. 


MARCH   IX. 

"  I  will  sing  aloud  of  thy  mercy  in  the  morning. " 

PSALMS,  lix : 

How  sweet  to  meet  the  morning  rays 
As  first  from  Heaven  they  dart, 

Or  in  the  quiet  walk  to  hold 
Communion  with  the  heart, 


82  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Inquire  from  whence  its  cherish'd  hopes? 

From  whence  its  anxious  care? 
What  stirs  the  fountain  of  its  joys 

Or  wakes  its  deepest  prayer? 

Remind  it  of  the  Bounteous  Hand 

That  still  its  life  sustains, 
And  bids  the  crimson  tide  of  health 

Flow  thro'  the  bounding  veins, 

And  as  the  dews  on  pinions  white 
From  vale  and  thicket  rise, 

Incite  its  powers  o'er  earth  to  soar, 
And  seek  their  native  skies, 

And  as  the  birds  in  raptured  song 
Respond  from  spray  to  spray, 

Attune  its  own  spontaneous  harp, 
And  praise  the  God  of  Day. 


MARCH  X. 

4 From  whence  come  wars  nnd  fighting's?" 

JAMKS,  iv:  1. 

"FIGHTINGS  and  wars?" 

I  would  not  dip  for  these 
My  pencil  in  description's  sanguine  stream, 
And  strive  to  catch  their  fearful  lineaments, 
Even  if  I  might.     Their  brazen-throated  sound, 
Their  shock  discordant,  and  fierce  revelry 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  83 

I  would  not  fashion  to  my  household  lyre, 
Even  if  I  could.     There  are,  who  may  behold 
God's  image  marr'd,  and  call  it  glorious  strife, 
Or  godlike  victory.     There  are  who  love 
The  trumpet's  clangor,  with  the  dire  response 
Of  shriek  and  groan.     But  unto  me  it  seems 
There  is  no  need  of  such  appliances 
To  shorten  life's  frail  span,  and  that  Death  does 
His  own  dread  work  so  faithfully,  that  man 
Need  help  him  not. 

Why,  even  in  time  of  peace, 
The  dance  of  pleasure  and  the  flush  of  health, 
He  smiteth  victims  oft  enough  to  please 
The  hater  of  his  kind. 

The  longest  lease 

That  earth's  brief  tenant  holds,  his  fourscore  years, 
Even  without  wars  and  fightings,  are  but  short 
To  do  the  work  of  an  Eternity. 


MARCH   XI. 

"  Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon  earth." 

MATTHEW,  vi:  J9. 

SAY,  is  it  meet  for  man,  Oh,  Lord, 
Who  dwells  in  tents  of  clay, 

To  plant  his  trust  amid  the  sands 
That  waves  may  wash  away  ? 

Or  twine  his  love  round  broken  reeds, 
Or  with  the  thankless  thorn, 

Or  cast  it  on  the  frozen  waste 
Of  falsehood  and  of  scorn  ? 


84  DAILY    COUNSELLOE. 

Or  gather  gold  in  secret  heaps, 

Insatiate  still  for  more, 
To  prove  the  ruin  of  his  heirs, 

Or  swell  a  stranger's  store? 

No !  Thou  hast  bade  him,  while  on  earth 

This  fleeting  life  is  lent, 
In  whatsoever  state  he  is, 

Therewith  to  be  content, 

Place  trust  and  love  supreme  on  Thee, 
To  Thee  confide  His  care, — 

And  lay  his  treasure  up  above, 
And  find  a  mansion  there. 


MARCH  XII. 

"There  nrose  a  tempestuous  wind  called  Euroclydon." 

ACTS,  xxvii:  14. 

THUNDERING  'mid  created  things 
Thou  dost  crush  the  forest-kings 
With  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 
Thou  dost  vex  the  seething  main, 
Kend  the  noble  ship  in  twain, 
Heeding  not  the  cry  of  pain, — 
Euroclydon. 

Thou  hast  reft  me  as  a  tree, 
Thou  hast  lash'd  me  like  the  sea, 
Thou  hast  had  thy  will  of  me, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  85 

Where  the  whelming  breakers  roar 
Bade  me  strew  my  bosom's  store, 
All  is  gone, — what  wouldst  thou  more  ? 
Euroclydon. 

I  am  looking  to  the  sky, 
Where  no  cloud  may  ever  lie, 
Where  no  tempest  passeth  by ; 
I  am  looking  for  a  home, 
Where  no  flower  shall  shed  its  bloom, 
Where  thou  mayst  not  dare  to  come, 
Euroclydon. 


MARCH  XIII. 

'Christ  shall  be  magnified  in  my  body,— whether  it  be  by  life  or  by  death." 

PHILIPPIANS,  i :  30. 

THROUGH  all  our  pilgrim  wanderings, 
Through  all  our  fleeting  years 

We'll  magnify  the  Saviour 
In  sunshine  or  in  tears ; 

The  poverty,  the  sorrow 

He  suffered  for  our  sakes, 
The  blessed  intercession 

He  for  our  pardon  makes ; 

For  all  his  boundless  mercies 

His  grace  we'll  magnify, 
His  Name  shall  be  our  anchor 

Whether  we  live  or  die. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


And  when  this  brief  connection 

With  mortal  life  is  o'er, 
And  unreturning  voyagers 

We  leave  its  changeful  shore, 

When  to  these  skies  and  mountains 
Our  closing  eyes  grow  dim, 

We'll  magnify  the  Saviour 
And  fearless  go  to  Him. 


MARCH  XIV. 

1  He  hath  disperied,  He  hath  given  to  the  poor :  His  righteousness  endureth  forever." 

I's ALMS,  cxii :  9. 

GIVE  to  the  poor  thy  bread, 

Clothe  the  uncover'd  form, 
Throw  shelter  o'er  the  homeless  head, 

That  shrinks  before  the  storm : 
So  shall  the  prayers  that  grateful  rise 
Win  blessings  for  thee  from  the  skies. 

Build  thee  a  mansion  fair, 

Bid  artists  deck  the  walls, 
With  competition's  ceaseless  care, 

Pour  luxury  through  its  halls : 
The  stranger  there  shall  banners  wave, 
And  feast,  when  thou  art  in  thy  grave. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  87 

Hoard  riches  for  thine  heirs, 

Swell  high  the  expected  tide, 
And  see  them  disappoint  thy  cares 

By  indolence  and  pride ; 
Yea,  die  unwept, — while  bent  on  pelf, 
Each  grasps  the  shekels  for  himself. 

Disperse  thine  alms  abroad, 

Wide  as  the  winds  shall  bring 
Unto  thine  ears  the  cry  of  want, 

Or  plaint  of  suffering : 
So  shall  great  gain  accrue  to  thee, 
"When  Heaven's  dread  books  shall  opened  be. 


MARCH  XV- 

'•Not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you." 

JOHN,  xiv:  27. 

THE  world  hath  been  our  lover, 
And  flattering  words  it  spoke ; 

But,  mid  its  wreath  of  roses, 
It  hid  an  iron  yoke 

The  world  hath  been  our  master, 

And  heavy  toils  it  laid, 
Tasks  without  intermission, 

Unblessed,  and  unrepaid. 


88  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  world  hath  kept  our  treasure 
But,  when  we  sought  its  hold, 

The  rust  was  on  our  silver, 
And  the  robber  had  our  gold. 

So  now  our  love  and  service, 
And  holiest  trust  we  give 

Unto  that  dear  Redeemer, 
Who  died  that  we  might  live. 


MARCH   XVI. 

"  I  will  fear  no  evil,— for  Thou  art  with  me." 

PSALMS,  xxiii:  4. 

DOTH  sadness  in  thy  soul  abide  ? 

Resume  the  smile  of  cheer, 
And  be  Jehovah's  will  thine  own : 
The  light  that  shines  around  the  throne 

Shall  make  his  purpose  clear. 

Naught  is  an  evil,  though  it  lay 

Thy  dearest  idol  low, 
Until,  contending  with  the  dart, 
Thy  proud  and  unsubmissive  heart 

Decides  to  make  it  so. 

Count  naught  an  evil  while  the  breast 

From  self-reproach  is  free, 
Count  naught  an  evil,  save  the  sin 
That,  coiling  dark  thy  soul  within, 

Doth  hide  God's  face  from  thee. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  89 


MARCH  XXII. 

"  Be  ye  thnnkfiil." 

COLOSSI ANS,  iii:  15. 

0,  BE  ye  thankful,  while  ye  breathe 

This  wondrous  vital  air, 
And  pitch  your  tent  upon  the  earth 

That  God  hath  made  so  fair, 
And  rest  upon  His  glorious  hope 

A  heavenly  home  to  share. 

0,  be  ye  thankful  for  the  love 

Like  dew  around  you  shed, 
That  when  you  slumber,  sets  a  watch 

Of  angels  round  the  bed, 
And  when  you  wake,  with  constant  care 

Doth  in  your  pathway  tread. 

Lord,  make  us  thankful,  for  too  oft, 

By  fleeting  sorrows  bowed, 
In  the  dark  pall  of  discontent 

Our  ingrate  souls  we  shroud : 
Lend  us  thy  sunbeam,  till  we  reach 

The  sky  without  a  cloud. 
8* 


90  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  XVIII. 

"Light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  plnce." 

SND  PKTKR,  i:  19. 

THE  night  drew  on,  thro'  paths  unknown 
The  weary  traveler  toil'd  alone, 
Now  climb'd  the  rocky  steep  with  pain, 
Now  plunging  crossed  the  marshy  plain, 
Or  grop'd  thro'  trackless  forests  dread, 
Where  brambles  spring  and  pitfalls  spread ; 
At  length,  thro'  clouds  that  barr'd  his  way, 
Look'd  forth  the  Moon,  with  silver  ray, 
And  loud  he  sang,  in  grateful  love, 
"  Whafs  dark  Mow,  is  light  above" 

The  Grave,  that  never  yet  hath  said 

11  Enough"  was  with  my  heart's  blood  fed, 

And  as  I  turned  with  bitter  throe 

From  its  insatiate  brink  to  go, 

I  marvel'd  why  a  Hand  Divine 

Should  smite  that  last,  lone  hope  of  mine : 

Yet  once,  as  holy  twilight  wove 

Its  shadowy  vail  o'er  field  and  grove, 

I  heard  a  voice, — the  voice  of  Love, — 

"  Whafs  dark  below,  is  light  above.1' 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  91 


MARCH  XIX. 

'The  Name  of  the  Lord  is  a  strong  tower;  the  righteous  runneth  into  it,  and  is  safe." 

PROVERBS,  xviii:  10. 

WHO  knoweth  of  his  safety,  Lord, 

Who,  in  this  house  of  clay, 
Doth  bide  the  buffet  of  the  storm, 

The  footstep  of  decay  ? 

Whose  life  by  fleeting  air  is  fed, 
Whose  thread-like  nerves  do  thrill 

At  every  sympathy  with  pain, 
At  every  thought  of  ill  ? 

Who  knoweth  of  his  safety,  Lord, 

Who  o'er  the  crumbling  verge 
Of  fearful  floods,  with  blinded  eye, 

His  slippery  course  doth  urge  ? 

Who,  while  he  dreams  to  pluck  the  flowers, 

May  on  a  serpent  tread, 
And,  in  the  glory  of  his  prime, 

Be  numbered  with  the  dead  ? 

He  knoweth,  Lord !  whose  soul  doth  rest 

On  Thine  eternal  might, 
The  anchor  of  whose  hope  is  sure, 

Though  earth  eludes  his  sight, 

Who,  when  the  hoarded  joys  of  time 

All  like  a  vision  fly, 
Can  from  this  falling  tent  of  flesh 

Pass  to  an  home  on  hisrh. 


92  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  XX. 

'Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  Thee  ; — the  remainder  of  wrath  shall  thou  restrain." 

PSALMS,  Ixxvi :  10. 

GOD  of  the  chainless  winds,  that  wildly  wreck 
The  moaning  forest,  and  the  ancient  oak 
Eend  like  a  sapling  spray,  or  sweep  the  sand 
O'er  the  lost  caravan,  that  trod,  with  pride 
Of  tinkling  bells,  and  camel's  arching  necks, 
The  burning  desert, — a  dense  host  at  morn ; 
At  eve,  a  bubble  on  the  trackless  waste, 
God  of  the  winds !  canst  thou  not  rule  the  heart, 
And  gather  back  its  passions,  when  thou  wilt, 
Bidding  them,  "peace,  be  still?" 

God  of  the  waves, 

That  toss  and  mock  the  mightiest  argosy, 
As  the  gay  zephyr  frets  the  thistle-down, 
Until  the  sternest  leader's  heart  doth  melt 
Because  of  trouble,  thou  who  call'st  them  back 
From  their  rough  challenge  to  the  muffled  sky, 
And  bidd'st  them  harmless  kiss  an  infant's  feet, 
That  gathereth  silver  shells,  canst  thou  not  curb 
The  tumult  of  the  nations,  the  hot  wrath 
Of  warring  kings,  who  like  the  babe  must  die, 
Vaunting  this  day  in  armor,  and  the  next, 
Unshrouded,  slumbering  on  the  battle-field? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  XXI. 

"  Blessed  are  ye  that  sow  beside  nil  waters." 

ISAIAH,  xxxii:  20. 

Sow.  early  by  the  waters, 

Before  advancing  day 
Comes  in  its  arrogance  of  power 

To  bear  your  hopes  away, 
Before  the  quickly-rooted  weeds, 

That  ask  no  culture's  toil, 
Spring  up,  and  with  their  mushroom  growth 

Usurp  the  yielding  soil. 

Sow,  with  a  tireless  labor, 

Because  the  world  is  strong 
To  set  in  dark  array  the  plants 

Of  violence  and  wrong, 
Thorns  hath  it  too,  and  brambles, 

And  tares  that  mock  the  trust, 
And  Sodom's  apples  only  fill'd 

With  bitterness  and  dust. 

Seed  sowers !  ye  are  blessed, 

A  glorious  right  ye  hold, 
A  kingly  power  the  immortal  soul 

Like  plastic  wax  to  mold, 
Come  forth,  before  the  sparkle 

Of  the  first  dews  are  dry, 
And  train  for  Heaven's  angelic  bowers, 

That  which  can  never  die. 


94  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 


MARCH  XXII. 

"Sufficient  unto  the  dny  is  the  evil  thereof." 

MATTHKW,  vi :  34. 

EACH  moment  hatli  its  task, 

Each  hour,  its  lot  of  care, 
Nor  heavier  burden  will  He  lay, 
Who  sends  them  forth  and  guides  their  way, 

Than  their  slight  wing  can  bear. 

Then  why  should  skeptic  man 

Obstruct  their  buoyant  flight? 
Forestall  misfortune's  raven  tone, 
And  with  a  burden  not  their  own 

Oppress  their  new-born  might? 

Incite  no  cloud  to  throw 

Its  shadow  o'er  thy  walls, 
Nor  waste  thine  energies  in  air, 
Nor  hold  dark  dalliance  with  despair, 

When  Heaven  to  gladness  calls. 

Why  should  forebodings  vex 

The  current  of  thy  days  ? 
And  visioned  ills  the  future  wrong? 
And  discords  mar  thy  spirit-song, 

When  God  demandeth  praise  ? 

In  every  time  of  woe 

He  knows  we  are  but  dust, 
He  well  remembereth  all  our  frame, 
Our  secret  pangs  His  pity  claim, 

Then  triisl,  my  brother,  trust. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  95 


MARCH  XXIII. 

"Wlmt  is  truth?" 

JOHN,  xviii :  38. 

""WHAT  is  truth?" — inquired  the  Roman, 

But  he  glided  swift  away, 
Lest,  perchance,  the  heavenly  answer 

Might  rebuke  him  with  its  ray. 

Like  a  lamb  before  the  shearers 

Mute  amid  that  fearful  strife, 
Patient  stood  the  meek  Redeemer 

He  who  was  the  truth  and  life. 

Falsehood  held  its  way  and  triumph'd, 
Hatred  roll'd  its  flashing  eye, 

Vacillating  Pilate  yielded 
To  the  clamor,—"  Crucify !  " 

Deign  to  teach  us,  dearest  Saviour, 
Doubting  mid  our  daily  task, 

Doubting  where  our  duty  guides  us, 
Be  not  silent  when  we  ask, 

Duped  by  shadows  and  illusions, 
Groping  on  through  age  and  youth, 

Thou  who  art  our  light  and  leader 
Deign  to  tell  us  what  is  truth. 


96  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  XXIV. 

"  Ye  shall  reek  me,  and  shall  not  find  me." 

JOHN,  vii:  34. 

YET  a  little  while,  my  friends, 

And  beside  the  quiet  fountain, 
Where  the  cherish'd  willow  bends, 

Where  the  thicket  shades  the  mountain, 
Where  the  vernal  violets  start, 

Where  the  summer-vine  is  breathing, 
By  the  fireside  of  the  heart, 

While  the  wintry  snows  are  wreathing, 
By  the  sea's  resounding  shore 

Where  your  love  so  oft  would  bind  me, 
Listing  to  the  billow's  roar, 

Ye  may  seek,  but  shall  not  find  me. 

Yet  a  little  while,  my  foes, 

And  your  lynx-like  care  is  over, 
Haughty  eyes  that  scann'd  my  woes, 

Watch'd  my  wanderings  to  discover, 
Ears,  that  to  my  words  gave  heed 

Still,  their  simple  purport  veiling, 
Lips  that  darkened  every  deed, 

Magnified  each  fault  and  failure, 
Syren  smile  and  falsehood's  kiss 

Shall  no  longer  grieve  or  blind  me, 
One  lone  victim  ye  will  miss, — 

Ye  shall  seek,  but  shall  not  find  me. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  97 


MARCH  XXV. 

"  Let  them  alone." 

MATTHEW,  xv:  14. 

WHAT  was  thy  sentence,  dearest  Lord? 
What  was  thy  stern,  denouncing  word 
On  mocking  scribe  and  pharisee, 
Whose  rootless  goodness  troubled  thee? 
Methinks  I  hear  that  solemn  tone 
As  of  some  far-off  billow's  moan, 

11  Let  them  alone™ 

And  could  the  doom  of  scourge,  or  scar,. 
Famine,  or  pestilence,  or  war, 
Or  any  other  dreaded  thing 
From  which  the  ransom'd  soul  may  spring 
Unhurt  above,  be  half  so  dread, 
As  those  few  words  the  Saviour  said? 
" Let  them  alone" 

Oh !  try  us  in  Thy  furnace-fires, 

And  purify  our  base  desires, 

Strike  down, — strike  deep, — enshroud  in  woe 

Whate're  we  call  our  own,  below, 

If  thou  but  wield  the  Chastener's  rod, 

But  say  not  unto  us,  Oh  God ! 

"  Let  them  alone." 
9 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  XXVI. 

"Underneath  ore  the  Everlasting  Arms." 

DEUTERONOMY,  xxxii 

LIKE  shadows  flitting  o'er  the  wall, 

Our  helpless  race  appear, 
Birth,  growth,  and  death  await  them  all, 

The  sigh,  the  smile,  the  tear. 

Disease  and  Pain  keep  watch  to  slay, 

For  so  it  was  of  yore, 
The  loved  and  trusted  may  betray 

As  they  have  done  before. 

Still,  on  we  press,  o'er  vale  and  steep, 
'Neath  sunbeam,  storm,  or  blast, 

The  cradle  gives  our  earliest  sleep, 
The  coffin-shroud  our  last. 

Yet  though  the  wildest  tempests  moan, 

If,  'mid  their  wrath  severe, 
A  Father's  Arm  is  round  us  thrown, 

Say,  what  have  we  to  fear? 

Why  boast  ye  of  your  riches  proud, 

Or  of  your  honors  bright  ? 
See,  swifter  than  the  changeful  cloud, 

They  fade  and  take  their  flight. 

Why  droop  ye  thus,  when  joys  decay? 

When  props  are  overthrown  ? 
What  have  ye,  in  this  house  of  clay, 

That  ye  may  call  your  own  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  99 

What  boots  it,  though  ye  weeping  bend 

Along  your  pilgrim-way, 
If  toward  that  cloudless  home  ye  tend 

"Where  tears  are  wiped  away  ? 

Then  shrink  not  thus  from  ills  and  pains, 

For  though  the  world  be  drear, 
The  Everlasting  Arm  sustains, 

And  what  have  ye  to  fear  ? 


MARCH  XXVII. 

"  In  God  is  my  salvation  and  my  glory,  the  rock  of  my  strength  and  my  refuge  is  in  God.' 

PSALMS,  Ixii: 


giveth  salvation,  when  warfare  is  o'er? 
When  the  breath  goeth  forth  and  returneth  no  more  ? 
And  where  is  the  glory,  when  death  and  decay 
Have  swept  in  stern  triumph  their  victim  away  ? 

What  rock  hath  the  pilgrim,  when  noontide  is  high, 
And  the  sands  of  the  desert  are  scorching  and  dry  ? 
What  refuge,  when  night  all  untented  draws  near, 
And  the  roar  of  the  lion  sounds  deep  on  his  ear? 

Then  the  voice  of  the  trustful  replied  from  the  sod, 
"  The  Rock  of  my  strength  and  my  refuge  is  God." 


100  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MARCH  XXVIII. 

"See,  for  tlmt  the  Lord  luitli  given  you  the  SuM.ath." 

EXODUS,  xvi :  29. 

THE  world  is  full  of  toil, 

It  bids  the  traveler  roam, 
It  binds  the  laborer  to  the  soil, 

The  student  to  his  home, 
The  beasts  of  burden  sigh, 

O'erladen  and  opprest, 
The  Sabbath  lifts  its  banner  high, 

And  gives  the  weary  rest. 

The  world  is  full  of  care, 

The  haggard  brow  is  wrought 
In  furrows  as  of  fix'd  despair, 

And  check'd  the  heavenward  thought; 
But  with  indignant  grace 

The  Sabbath's  chastening  tone, 
Drives  money-changers  from  the  place 

Which  God  doth  call  his  own. 

The  world  is  full  of  grief, 

Sorrows  o'er  sorrows  roll, 
And  the  fair  hope  that  brings  relief 

Doth  sometimes  pierce  the  soul. 
The  Sabbath's  peaceful  bound 

Bears  Mercy's  holy  seal, 
A  balm  of  Gilead  for  the  wound 

That  man  is  weak  to  heal. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  101 

The  world  is  full  of  sin, 

A  dangerous  flood  it  rolls, 
The  unwary  to  its  breast  to  win, 

And  whelm  unstable  souls; 
The  Sabbath's  beacon  tells 

Of  reefs  and  wrecks  below, 
And  warns,  tho'  gay  the  billow  swells, 

Beneath  are  death  and  woe. 

There  is  a  world,  where  none 

With  fruitless  labor  sigh, 
Where  care  awakes  no  lingering  groan, 

And  grief  no  agony, 
Where  sin  with  fatal  arts 

Hath  never  forg'd  her  chains, 
But  deep-enthron'd  in  angel  hearts, 

One  endless  Sabbath  reigns. 


MARCH  XXIX. 

41  Weep  ye  not  for  the  dead,  neither  bemonn  him." 

JKREMIAU,  xxii :  10. 

Is  it  not  strange,  that  we  who  have  such  cause 
For  tears  within  ourselves,  our  wants,  our  sins, 
Our  faithlessness  in  duty,  have  such  call 
For  frequent  tears  of  sympathy  with  pain, 
And  woe  of  others,  yet  a  space  so  brief, 
That  we  leave  much  undone,  and  go  our  way, 
Ne'er  to  return ;  is  it  not  passing  strange, 
That  we  should  drain  the  fountains  of  our  grief, 
And  take  such  portions  of  our  fleeting  span 
To  weep  for  those  in  glory,  from  whose  eyes 

All  tears  are  wip'd  forever  ? 
9* 


102  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

"What  if  once 

We  were  so  happy  as  to  clasp  their  hands, 
And  hear  their  household  voice,  and  call  them  friends, 
Kindred,  or  lovers? — Shall  we  mourn  for  this, 
Our  glory,  our  felicity,  our  joy  ? 
And  what  if  He  who  saw  them  ripened  first, 
Took  them  before  us  ?     Shall  we  grieve  for  this  ? 
No.     Rather  with  a  clear  and  sunny  eye 
Let  us  walk  on  to  meet  them,  full  of  hope, 
The  joy  of  God  our  strength. 


MARCH  XXX. 

"That  the  Lord  thy  God  may  show  us  the  way  wherein  we  may  walk,  and  the  tiling  that  w 
may  do."  JERKMIAH,  xlii :  3. 

TEMPTATIONS  throng  our  course, 

And  thousands  go  astray ; 
Smooth  are  the  roads  that  lead  to  death, 

How  shall  we  choose  our  way  ? 

Sloth  may  enchain  the  hand, 

Clouds  settle  o'er  the  brain, 
Nor  have  we  always  light  to  make 

Our  Christian  duty  plain. 

Lord,  every  secret  thought 

Is  open  to  thy  view, 
Show  us  the  path  wherein  to  walk, 

The  thing  that  we  must  do. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  103 


MARCH  XXXI. 

"We  have  the  mind  of  Christ." 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  ii :  16. 

"THE  mind  of  Christ,"  the  lowly  thought, 

The  care,  the  lost  to  save, 
The  love  for  childhood's  trusting  smile, 
The  zeal  for  truth,  the  scorn  for  guile, 

The  tear  at  friendship's  grave, 

Pity  and  pardon  for  the  frail, 

For  pain,  the  healing  care, 
The  silent  lip  to  wrath  and  spite, 
"Vce  vobis"  for  the  hypocrite, 

For  enmity,  the  prayer. 

O  pilgrim !  look  upon  thy  life, 

Where'er  its  course  may  glide, 
And  see  if  His  example  sway, 
Thine  inward  soul,  thine  outward  way, 
A  pattern  and  a  guide ; 

And  see  if  through  its  daily  change, 
Where  woe  or  sickness  pined, 

Or  burdening  toils  the  hours  employ, 

Or  in  the  exulting  tide  of  joy 
There  dwells  the  Christlike  mind. 


wit* 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  107 


APRIL    I. 

"  Weeping  may  endure  tor  n  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the 


PSALMS 


SPRING-  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  in  the  path 
Left  desolate  by  Winter: — doth  she  fear 

Some  ebullition  of  his  tyrant  wrath 

That  from  her  downcast  eyelids  drops  the  tear? 

Oh  Queen  of  unborn  flowers !  shrink  not  to  take 
Thy  rightful  scepter  o'er  a  subject  clime, 

Why  should  a  lot  of  royalty  awake 

The  wrinkle  and  the  thorn  before  their  time? 

Be  firm  and  hopeful !  for  the  winged  smile 

Shall  kiss  the  crystal  dew-drop  from  thy  cheek, 

And  in  thy  foot-prints,  spring  with  gentlest  wile, 
The  loyal  primrose,  and  the  violet  meek, 

And  countless  plants  shall  don  their  mantles  green; 

And  balmy  skies,  with  mild,  propitious  ray, 
Shall  bid  their  winged  heralds  bless  the  queen, 

Who  joins  a  tender  heart  to  regal  sway: 

So,  go  thou  forth  with  tears ! — thy  precious  seed 
Sowing  in  lowly  trust,  for  Joy  shall  crown  the  deed. 


108  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL    II. 

"The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart, there  is  no  God." 

PSALMS,  xiv:  1. 

" No  God!  No  God" — the  simplest  flower 

That  on  the  wild  is  found, 
Shrinks  as  it  drinks  its  cup  of  dew, 

And  trembles  at  the  sound, 
"No  God  I"  astonished  Echo  cries 

From  out  her  cavern  hoar, 
And  every  wandering  bird  that  flies, 

Eeproves  the  Atheist  lore. 

The  solemn  forest  lifts  its  head, 

The  Almighty  to  proclaim, 
The  brooklet  on  its  crystal  urn 

Doth  leap  to  grave  his  name 
How  swells  the  deep  and  vengeful  sea 

Along  his  billowy  track, 
And  red  Vesuvius  opes  his  mouth 

To  hurl  the  falsehood  back. 

The  palm-tree,  with  its  princely  crest, 

The  cocoa's  leafy  shade, 
The  bread-fruit  bending  to  its  lord, 

In  yon  far-island  glade, 
The  winged  seeds  that,  borne  by  winds, 

The  roving  sparrows  feed, 
The  melon  on  the  desert  sands, 

Confute  the  scorner's  creed. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  1Q9 

"No  God  !" — witli  indignation  high 

The  fervent  sun  is  stirred, 
And  the  pale  moon  turns  paler  still 

At  such  an  impious  word, 
While  from  their  burning  thrones  the  stars 

Look  down  with  angry  eye, 
That  thus  a  worm  of  dust  should  mock 

Eternal  majesty. 


APRIL  III. 

"Lo!  children  nre  an  heritage  of  the  Lord." 

PSALMS,  cxxvii:  3. 

WHAT  bringeth  a  joy  o'er  thy  pallid  mien, 
More  deep  than  the  prime  of  thy  youth  had  seen? 
What  kindleth  a  beam  in  thy  thoughtful  eye 
Like  the  vestal  flame  from  a  purer  sky? 
Sweet  were  her  tones,  as  the  wind-harp  free, 
"  The  smile  of  the  lobe  that  is  lorn  to  me." 

What  maketh  thy  home  with  its  noiseless  shade 
More  dear  than  the  haunts  where  thy  beauty  strayed  ? 
Than  the  dance  where  thy  form  was  the  zephyr's  wing? 
Than  the  crowded  hall,  or  the  charmed  ring? 
Than  the  flatterer's  wile,  with  its  syren  strain? 
"  The  voice  of  the  bale  that  with  care  I  train" 

What  lendeth  the  landscape  a  brighter  hue? 
A  clearer  spark  to  the  diamond  dew? 


110  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

"What  giveth  the  song  of  the  bird  its  zest, 

As  straw  by  straw  it  doth  build  its  nest? 

What  sweeteneth  the  flowers  on  their  budding  stalks? 

"  The  kiss  of  the  child  by  my  side  that  walks." 

What  quickeneth  thy  prayer  when  it  seeks  the  Throne 

With  a  fervor  it  never  before  had  known? 

What  girdeth  thy  life  in  its  daily  scope 

For  the  labor  of  love,  and  the  patience  of  hope? 

The  freedom  from  self,  and  the  high  intent? 

"  The  soul  of  the  child  that  my  God  hath  lent." 


APRIL  IV. 


"SHALL  see  Him  as  He  is!"     Whom  shalt  thou  see? 
That  blessed  Friend,  who  for  our  sakes  did  bear 
Scourge,  persecution,  and  the  blood-stain'd  cross, 
That  we  the  mansions  of  the  just  might  share? 

" Shall  see  Him  as  He  is! "     What  shalt  thou  see? 
Hands  stretch'd  to  raise  thee  to  a  pardoning  breast, 
And  lips  o'erflowing  with  the  music-strain, — • 
"Come,  good  and  faithful!  enter  to  thy  rest?" 

Say,  will  this  win  thee  from  thy  cherish'd  joys? 
The  loving  partner  of  thy  youthful  days? 
The  pleasant  home?  the  first-born  boy,  who  woke 
A  warmth  that  lingered  in  thy  death ful  gaze? 

*The  last  words  of  n  young  mother,  whispered  with  a  radiant  smile. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  HI 

The  fair,  fair  girl?  the  merry,  dove-eyed  babe, 
That  in  its  nurse's  arms  unconscious  leaps, 
Nor  dreams  what  treasure  rifled  from  its  arms, 
Beneath  the  church -yard's  sacred  shadow  sleeps? 

Speak,  angel, — answer!     But,  alas,  how  vain 
To  put  such  questions  to  the  blest  above, 
Who,  safe  from  ills  of  earth,  no  tear,  no  stain, 
Are  wrapp'd  in  Heaven's  refulgent  robe  of  love. 

Thou,  who  hast   seen  Him  as  He  is, — inspire 
Our  wandering  feet  in  wisdom's  paths  to  go, 
And  with  one  echo  from  thy  golden  lyre, 
Lure  the  sad  mourners  from  their  depths  of  woe. 


APRIL  Y. 

"Toiling  in  rowing" 

MARK,  vi:  48. 

TOILING  in  rowing  !    Wind  and  tide 

Our  wearied  bark  oppose, 
As  oft,  with  seams  that  open  wide, 

Upon  her  course  she  goes, 
And  we  have  taken  nothing  yet, 

Though  still  the  watch  we  keep, 
Nor  fail  to  cast  our  empty  net 

Into  the  faithless  deep. 

Toiling  in  roioing  !     Dearest  Lord 

We  faint  amid  the  strife, 
But  thou  canst  vanquish  with  a  word 

The  stormy  surge  of  life, 


112  DAILY     COUNSELLOR. 

And  when  Thou  meet'st  us  on  the  sea 
With  hand  outstretched  to  aid,       l 

Oh !  grant  us  strength  to  cling  to  Thee, 
And  not  to  be  afraid. 


APRIL  VI. 

"  And  Aaron  held  his  pence." 

LEVITICUS,  x :  3. 

Two  impious  censers  flaming  high 

Gleam'd  out  on  Israel's  startled  eye, 

While  vengeful  skies,  with  lightning  red, 

Cleft  o'er  the  rash  offenders'  head ; 

Then  lo,  with  scorched  and  livid  mien, 

Two  corpses,  wreathed  in  srnoke  were  seen, 

And  bending  low,  with  anguish  torn, 

The  high-priest  mourned  his  dead  first-born. 

But  when  retired  from  every  eye, 

He  gave  the  reins  to  memory, 

Ah!  who  might  tell  a  father's  pain, 

O'er  rebel  sons  untimely  slain ! 

Yes,  they  whose  infant  forms  he  reared, 

For  whom  he  watched  and  prayed  and  feared, 

Whose  glance  in  manhood's  beauty  proud 

So  lately  awed  the  admiring  crowd, 

Now,  filled  with  arrogance  and  pride 

Beneath  their  Maker's  hand  had  died, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOK.  H3 

And  in  that  act  of  sin,  became 

A  mass  of  ashes, — mixed  with  flame. 

Yet,  unrepining  at  the  stroke, 

He  bade  each  murmur  cease, 
Even  while  stern  grief  his  spirit  broke, 
Silent  he  bore  Jehovah's  yoke, 

And  meekly  held  his  peace. 


APRIL  VII. 

"Is  any  merry? — Let  him  sing  Psalm»." 

JAMBS,  v:  13. 

SING  at  your  work, — 't  will  lighten 

The  labors  of  the  day, 
Sing  at  your  work, — 't  will  brighten 

The  darkness  of  the  way. 

Sing  at  your  work, — though  sorrow 
Its  lengthen'd  shade  may  cast, 

Joy  cometh  on  the  morrow, — 
A  sunbeam  cheers  the  blast. 

To  pain  a  brief  dominion 

Is  o'er  the  spirit  given, — 
But  music  nerves  the  pinion 

That  bears  it  up  to  heaven. 
io*r 


114  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL  VIII. 

"  Unto  them  that  look  for  Him,  shall  He  appear  the  second  time, — without  sin,  unto  salvation. 

IlKijiiK \vs,  ix :  38. 

NIGHT  forsakes  her  ebon  seat, 
Gathered  mists  in  volumes  fleet, 
Dawn  upon  the  mountains  grey 
Trembles  with  prelusive  ray, 
Till  the  lifted  gate  of  morn 
Purples  where  the  day  is  born, 
And  that  glorious  orb  doth  rise, 
Eye  of  earth,  and  sea,  and  skies. 

Thus,  'mid  shades  of  ancient  time, 
Patriarchs  gazed  with  faith  sublime, 
Seers  invoked  the  promised  light, 
Prophets  sought  its  vision  bright, 
Till  on  Bethlehem's  blessed  glade 
Burst  the  beam  that  ne'er  shall  fade, 
And  the  raptured  matin  song 
Swelled  from  Heaven's  resplendent  throng. 

Saviour,  come !     Our  spirits  wait, 
Enter,  with  Thy  regal  state, 
If  our  darkening  sins  prevail, 
If  our  dawn  of  hope  be  pale, 
Wake  that  star,  whose  aspect  sweet 
Led  the  sages  to  Thy  feet, 
Wake  that  sun,  whose  holy  ray 
Brightens  to  Eternal  Day. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  115 


APRIL    IX. 

"  Father  forgive  them  :  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 

LuKK.xxiii:  M. 

"THEY  know  not  what  they  do," — who  stray 

In  paths  of  guilt  and  woe, 
And  heedless  shun  the  narrow  way 

Where  Christ  commands  to  go, 
Who  to  the  vanities  of  time, 

Which  like  the  shadows  fly, 
Debase  the  energies  sublime, 

Of  that  which  can  not  die. 

"They  know  not  what  they  do," — who  spurn 

The  Holy  Spirit's  breath, 
Which  warns  them  in  its  love,  to  turn 

From  everlasting  death, 
Who  from  their  guardian  angel's  care 

With  heedless  haste  have  fled, 
Unarm'd  with  penitence  and  prayer 

Against  the  day  of  dread. 

"Father,  forgive."     Our  countless  sins 

Stand  forth  in  dark  array, 
Yet  for  thy  boundless  mercy's  sake 

Turn  not  thy  face  away, 
But  by  our  dear  Eedeemer's  prayer, 

Breath'd  forth  in  mortal  pain, 
Grant,  while  our  lips  its  language  bear, 

Our  souls  its  grace  may  gain. 


116  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL    X. 

'In  the  morning  will  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  Thee,  and  will  look  up." 

PSALMS,  v:  3. 

BEFORE  the  portal  of  the  east 

In  golden  glory  breaks, 
Before  the  voice  of  slumbering  man 

Its  varied  echo  makes, 

Before  the  lily  of  the  field 

Unseals  its  cradled  eye, 
Before  the  pinions  of  the  lark 

Unfold  in  melody, 

My  heart  awaking  turns  to  Thee, 

In  whom  is  all  her  trust, 
Who  breathed  this  mystic  power  of  thought 

Into  a  frame  of  dust. 

Oh,  at  this  sweetly  sacred  hour, 

From  all  intrusions  free, 
Smile,  Lord,  upon  the  waiting  soul, 

And  draw  her  near  to  thee. 


APRIL  XI. 

"  For  none  of  us  liveth  to  himself." 

ROMANS,  xiv:  7. 

"NOT  to  myself,"  said  the  daisy, 
With  its  petals  bright  and  frail, 

"  Not  to  myself,"  said  the  violet, 
Breathing  perfume  on  the  gale, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  H* 

"Not  to  myself,"  said  the  robin, 

As  it  flew  from  tree  to  tree, 
Making  each  listener  happy 

With  its  gushing  melody, 

"Not  to  myself,"  said  the  streamlet, 

While  the  ozier  on  its  banks 
And  the  creeping  fringe  of  grass-blades 

Breathed  out  their  earnest  thanks, 

"Not  to  myself,"  said  the  thunder 

Of  the  deep  and  surging  sea, 
"With  the  bark  upon  its  bosom, 

And  the  kingly  argosy, 

Making  highway  for  the  nations, 

From  the  tropic  to  the  pole, 
And  knitting  climes  together, 

And  binding  soul  to  soul. 

Man !  hast  thou  learned  the  lesson 

Creation  strives  to  teach, 
Thus  with  her  pointing  finger, 

Thus  with  her  varied  speech? 

Is  there  not  many  a  blessing, 

With  heaven-prevailing  tone, 
That  leaves  strong  echo  in  the  heart, 

"  Not  for  thyself  alone?" 


118  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL   XII. 

"Are  they  not  nil  ministering  spirits?" 

HEBREWS,!:  14. 

WINGED  Creatures !  are  ye  nigh 
To  our  dim  mortality  ? 
Mark  ye,  if  we  smile  or  weep? 
Glide  ye  round  our  pillowed  sleep  ? 
Wherefore  doth  our  earnest  eye 
Fail  your  hovering  forms  to  spy  ? 
Wherefore  doth  our  listening  ear 
Fail  your  whisper'd  word  to  hear? 

When  with  sympathetic  zeal 
Others  joys  and  woes  we  feel, 
When  with  self-forgetful  care 
We  their  burdens  love  to  bear, 
Shield  the  lonely  orphan's  head, 
Give  him  sheltering  home  and  bread, 
Do  ye  not  our  course  approve? 
Share  we  not  your  work  of  love? 

When  of  heavenly  Love  we  speak 
With  warm  heart  and  glowing  cheek, 
Dark  and  untamed  spirits  teach, 
Luxury  of  hallow'd  speech, 
Frail  and  fallen  brethren  aiding, 
Not  condemning,  not  upbraiding, 
Learn  we  not  some  note  to  raise 
Of  your  symphony  of  praise? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  119 

Ye  upon  my  Lord  did  wait, 
Wondering  at  His  low  estate, 
When  with  sorrow  like  despair 
All  our  sin  and  shame  He  bare, 
When  His  friends  in  slumber  deep, 
Fail'd  their  one  hoar's  watch  to  keep, 
Ye  beheld  Him  kneel  and  pray, 
Ye  the  blood  drops  kiss'd  away. 

Oh !  when  we,  to  error  prone 
Dash  our  foot  against  a  stone, 
Halt  upon  our  rock-strewn  way, 
Feel  this  earthly  house  decay, 
Pause  beside  that  valley  dread 
Which  no  foot  with  ours  may  tread, 
Near  us,  in  our  anguish  be, 
Strengthen  our  Gethsemane. 


APRIL  XIII. 

"Lord,  Rememlier  me." 

J.IKK,  x.xiii :  42. 

I  AM  not  worthy  that  the  Power 

Who  touched  stern  Sinai's  brow  with  flame,. 
Who  rules  wild  Ocean's  stormiest  hour, 
And  calls  each  star,  from  nightly  bower, 

Forth  by  its  name, — 
I  am  not  worthy  He  should  deign 
A  thought  on  one  so  frail  and  vain, 
A  broken  leaf  that  rides  the  blast, 
A  weed  upon  the  waters  cast, 
Yet  venture  still  to  bend  the  knee, 
And  pray,  "0  Lord,  remember  me!"' 


120  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

For  in  this  life  of  snares  and  woes, 

"Where  oft,  with  unregarded  sigh, 
Meek  Virtue  like  an  exile  goes, 
And  when  the  latest  tear  oe'rflows 

The  closing  eye, 

When  summon'd  from  this  earthly  show 
Alone,  to  worlds  unseen  we  go, 
"Where  shall  we  turn?  on  whom  depend 
For  solace,  0  Almighty  Friend, 
Unless  in  faith  we  cry  to  thee, 
"Remember,  Lord!  Remember  me." 


APRIL  XIV. 

"  Observe  the  month  of  Abib." 

DEUTKRUNOMY,  xvi :  1. 

OH,  Paschal-feast !  which  all  the  tribes 

Of  ancient  Israel  kept, 
In  memory  of  that  fearful  time 

When  tyrant  Egypt  wept, 
And  the  destroying  Angel's  eye 
In  glorious  goodness  pass'd  them  by. 

Methinks  I  see  each  household  train 

In  solemn  reverence  stand, 
With  girded  loins,  and  sandal'd  feet, 

And  pilgrim-staff  in  hand, 
As  those  constrain'd  afar  to  tread 
And  break  in  haste  the  unleaven'd  bread. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  121 

How  oft  amid  our  festive  scenes 

The  ghost  of  Memory  steals, 
And  o'er  their  most  exulting  hours 

A  sacTSening  tint  reveals, 
And  bitter  herbs  infusion  throw, 
In  all  our  sparkling  cups  below. 

We  keep  our  passovers  on  earth 

Like  travelers  duly  bound 
Each  passing  moment  as  it  flies 

To  hear  the  warning  sound, 
An  unseen  country  to  explore 
And  journey  to  return  no  more. 


APRIL  XV. 

"The  Lord  hath  His  way  in  the  whirlwind,  nnd  in  the  storm  " 

NA.HUM,  i:  3. 

WINDS  vex'd  the  billows,  till  in  whelming  wrath 
They  smote  the  shore,  and  with  the  ancient  rocks 
Chode  in  their  bitterness.     Wild  tumult  spread, 
And  the  white-crested  waves  each  other  met. 
As  though  from  sudden  force  of  rage  or  grief, 
The  Deep  grew  hoary. 

Far,  the  sheeted  spray 

Drove  landward,  drenching  the  astonish'd  vales, 
Where  it  ne'er  swept  before,  and  the  torn  trees 
Writhing  amid  dissever'd  branches,  shed 
Their  leafy  honors,  with  salt,  dripping  tears, 
Like  Rachel  weeping  o'er  her  children  lost. 


122  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

— Then  with  her  holy  eye,  the  Moon  look'd  down 
Like  tutelary  spirit,  prone  to  soothe 
The  elements  of  discord.     All  in  vain ! 
For  on  they  strove,  tenacious  of  their  space 
Of  brief  misrule.     So,  with  a  mournful  brow 
She  hid  behind  the  veil  of  Heaven  again, 
While  in  each  chasm  and  subterranean  cell, 
The  pent  sea  thunder'd,  with  a  vengeful  voice, 
Troubling  the  listeners. 

God  be  with  the  bark 
That  at  the  mercy  of  this  pitiless  storm 
Confronts  the  mountain-surge. 

God  give  his  strength 
To  the  poor  mariner,  and  to  the  hearts 
That  sleepless  agonize  for  friends  who  dare 
The  seething  Ocean,  in  a  night  like  this. 


APRIL  XVI. 

"Our  Father!  who  art  in  Heaven." 

LUKK,  xi:  2. 

FATHER  !  we  have  seen  Thee  walking 

At  the  hush  of  dawning  day, 
As  amid  the  quiet  garden 

Wrapp'd  in  Eden  flowers  we  lay, 
All  the  hopes  of  earth  to  cheer  us, 

Sang  like  spring-birds,  sweet  and  clear, 
But  Thy  glorious  footstep  near  us, 

Swelled  the  joy  to  rapture's  tear. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  123 

Father!  we  have  heard  Thy  whisper 

Mid  our  spirit's  inmost  tent, 
And  its  curtains  all  were  shaken 

At  the  wondrous  thrill  it  sent, 
For  the  desert-sands  were  dreary, 

And  the  stars  withheld  their  flame, 
And  our  pilgrim  feet  were  weary 

Till  that  blest  protection  came. 

Father !  since  Thy  voice  doth  guide  us, 

Since  Thy  presence  still  is  nigh, 
Let  us,  whatsoe'er  betide  us, 

Onward  press,  with  heavenward  eye; 
"What  avails  it,  though  our  evening 

Darken  like  the  storm-tossed  sea, 
If  our  soul,  'mid  all  its  changes 

Turn  with  filial  trust  to  Thee. 


APRIL  XVII. 

'Beasts  and  all  cattle,  creeping  things  and  flying  fowl." 

I'SALMS,  cxlviii:  10. 

EEGAED  the  patient  ox, 

Regard  the  laboring  steed, 
The  trusty  dog,  the  peaceful  flock 

That  in  thy  pastures  feed ; 

Their  simple  wants  supply, 

Protection  kind  bestow, 
And  turn  away  the  tyrant-hand, 

That  seeks  to  work  their  woe. 


124  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

For  in  those  humble  hearts 

Do  mute  affections  flame, 
And  faithful  virtues  that  might  put 

More  selfish  man  to  shame. 

Yea,  even  yon  abject  race, 
The  creeping  things  of  earth, 

Since  God  hath  made  them  by  His  power, 
Scorn  not  their  reptile  birth, 

Draw  back  the  crushing  foot 

That  threats  their  span  of  gloom, 

Nor  lightly  quench  the  spark  of  life 
Thou  never  canst  relume. 

That  mystic  spark  of  life ! 

Eespect  its  lowliest  form, 
For  in  the  great  Creator's  sight 

Thou  art  thyself  a  worm. 


APRIL  XVIII. 


'They  promised  to  give  liim  money." 

MARK,  xiv:  11. 


THEY  promised  money,  and  he  mus'd 

Upon  the  tempter's  tone, 
Until  the  sin  at  first  abhorr'd, 

Had  all  familiar  grown, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  125 

They  promised  money,  and  he  gazed 

Upon  the  glittering  bait, 
And  cast  his  shuddering  conscience  in, 

To  make  an  even  weight, 

They  promised  money,  so  he  broke 

The  last  most  sacred  tie, 
And  sold  the  Master  whom  he  served, 

In  cruel  pangs  to  die. 

Oh !  thou  betrayer  with  a  kiss, 

What  will  thy  money  buy, 
When  thou  a  caitiff  corse  shalt  hang 

Between  the  earth  and  sky? 

Will  money  bribe  the  Righteous  Judge  ? 

Will  money  pay  thy  cost? 
Strong  Satan's  prison-gates  unbar? 

Or  save  a  soul  that's  lost? 


APRIL  XIX. 

'  Now  abideth  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  these  three,  but  the  grentest  of  these  is  Charity." 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  xiii :  13. 

WHEN  along  our  pilgrim- way 
Fears  deter,  or  doubts  betray, 
When  by  darken'd  vale  and  stream 
Wild  illusive  meteors  gleam, 


126  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

And  the  maze  where  thousands  go, 
Tempts  to  mirth,  but  ends  in  woe, 
Faith ! — uphold  us,  lest  we  stray, 
Guide  us  in  our  Saviour's  way. 

If  the  gardens  we  have  drest, 
Storms  despoil,  or  weeds  infest, 
If  the  idols  of  our  trust, 
Fade  and  fall  and  turn  to  dust, 
If  the  lips  that  charm'd  our  ear 
Holder  in  their  grave-cloth  drear, 
Hope ! — console  us  when  we  sigh, 
With  thine  ever-upward  eye. 

When,  with  failing  flesh  and  heart, 
For  a  world  unknown  we  part, 
Struggling  'mid  the  fatal  strife, 
At  the  broken  gate  of  life, 
Charity! — Thou  greatest! — speed 
To  our  souls  in  utmost  need, 
Charity ! — Almighty  Love ! 
Bear  us  in  thine  arms  above. 


APRIL  XX. 

"The  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart." 

IST  SAMUEL,  xvi:  7. 

WHEN  in  thy  temple,  Lord  of  hosts, 
With  prayerful  lip  we  bow, 

If  every  vain  and  wayward  thought 
Were  written  on  our  brow, 


DAILY   COUNSELLOR.  127 

And  if  the  searching  eye  of  man 

Might  each  emotion  see, 
And  every  motive  all  unveiled, 

As  clearly  read  by  Thee, 

How  would  the  most  familiar  friend 

From  his  companion  start, 
And  neighbor  scan  the  neighbor's  face 

With  terror  in  his  heart. 

Yea,  many  whom  a  flattering  world 

Applauds  as  just  and  true, 
Might  to  the  rocks  and  mountains  turn 

To  shield  them  from  its  view. 

But  Thou  to  whose  omniscient  Eye 

Our  every  thought  on  earth 
Hath  stood  uncurtained  and  revealed, 

E'en  from  our  day  of  birth, 

How  great  must  thy  forbearance  be ! 

How  measureless  and  vast 
The  power  of  that  atoning  love 

Which  pardoneth  us  at  last ! 


APRIL  XXI. 

-Which  all  are  to  perish  with  the  using." 

COLOSSIANS,  ii :  22. 

THE  sparkling  eye  that  rul'd  the  heart 

Hath  lost  its  magic  beam, 
And  in  the  socket,  heavily, 

Like  waning  lamp  doth  gleam. 


128  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  wearied  ear  remits  its  toil, 
Rejects  the  music  strain, 

And  with  the  folly  of  the  world, 
No  longer  loads  the  brain. 

The  hand,  that  with  untiring  deeds, 
Did  mark  the  days  of  old, 

Now  trembleth  in  its  feeble  grasp 
The  water-cup  to  hold. 

The  foot,  no  more  o'er  hill  and  dale 
Doth  keep  its  vigorous  way, 

But  on  the  cushioned  sofa  rests, 
A  prisoner,  day  by  day. 

Even  Memory,  with  a  wrinkled  brow, 
Is  faltering  o'er  the  page 

On  which  she  registered  her  gains 
From  infancy  to  age. 

And  Fancy  faileth  in  her  skill 

O'er  fairy-land  to  soar, 
And  sadly  folds  a  broken  wing, 

To  ride  the  blast  no  more. 

But  the  sweet  spirit's  love  to  man, 
In  God  its  fearless  trust, 

Its  zeal  to  keep  a  Saviour's  law, 
These  fade  not  into  dust, 

These  perish  not  with  use,  but  grow, 
Like  beaten  gold,  more  bright, — 

The  deathless  children  of  the  skies 
That  heavenward  take  their  flight. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  129 


APRIL  XXII. 

"  For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  if  it  be  cut  down,  that  it  will  sprout  again,  and  that  the  tender 
branch  thereof  will  not  cease."  JOB,  xiv  :  7. 

YE  come  in  beauty  forth,  green  Trees ! 

Ye  boast  a  second  bloom, 
Though  at  your  feet,  by  deathful  dart 
The  rose  and  lily  of  the  heart 

Were  smitten  to  the  tomb. 

I  saw  ye,  when  ye  bared  your  boughs 

Before  the  wintry  storm, 
But  now  ye  flaunt  in  vestments  gay, 
"While  many  a  mourner  weeps  this  day 

The  lost  and  lovely  form. 

Then  the  trees  answer'd,  as  the  breeze 

Their  harp-strings  woke  to  sound, 
"Kind  Nature's  ministers  are  we, 
With  fragrant  balm  of  sympathy 
To  heal  affliction's  wound: 

Yea,  more  than  this.     To  Faith  we  say 

Thus  shall  the  dead  arise, 
And  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus,  burst 
With  joy  their  prison  of  the  dust 
i  For  glory  in  the  skies.' 


130  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL  XXIII. 

"Lo,  God  hatli  given  thee  nil  them  thnt  snil  with  thee." 

ACTS,  xxvii:  34. 

FATHER  !  who  o'er  Time's  boisterous  tide, 

A  precious  bark  art  steering, 
Mother!  who  anxious  at  his  side, 

Each  distant  storm  art  hearing, 
Bind  ye  the  promise  to  your  breast, 

Thus  by  the  angel  spoken? 
Believe  ye  that  your  circle  blest 

Shall  gain  the  port  unbroken? 

Wide  sever'd  o'er  their  voyage  course, 

Some  idol  child  ye  cherish, 
'Mid  stranger-seas  and  billows  hoarse, 

Far  from  your  side  may  perish, 
Still  trust  ye  o'er  these  waves  of  care 

To  meet  in  God's  communion, 
And  be  your  life  one  sleepless  prayer 

To  gain  that  glorious  union. 

When  stranded  on  the  latest  rock, 

•    Life's  flickering  watch-light  burneth, 

And  lonely  toward  that  bourne  ye  go, 

From  whence  no  guest  return eth, 
Then  may  each  bark  your  love  hath  launch'd, 

Gliding  with  sail  unriven, 
Send  forth  a  seraph  soul,  to  form 

A  "family  in  heaven." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  131 


APRIL  XXIV. 

"It  is  finished." 

JOHN,  xix:  30. 

THE  harp  of  prophecy  was  hush'd, 
Strange  tones  its  music  drown, 

For  angel-choirs  to  Bethlehem's  vales 
With  songs  of  peace  came  down, 

And  Christ  to  Calvary  went  forth, 
Wearing  his  thorny  crown. 

Asunder  clave  the  rifted  rocks, 
The  quaking  earth  did  wail, 

Thick  darkness  came  at  noon-day  up, 
The  shrinking  sun  to  veil, 

And  from  the  moldering  charnel-house, 
Stalked  forth  the  tenants  pale. 

"'Tis  finished!"  cried  the  Son  of  God, 

And  yielded  up  the  ghost, 
"'Tis finished!"  echoed  far  and  wide 

The  bright,  celestial  coast, 
And  man,  the  sinner,  shouted  high 

Amid  the  ransom'd  host. 


132  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL  XXV. 

"  Looking  unto  Je«us." 

HKBHKVVS,  xii:  2. 

LONELY  hearted ! — sunk  in  sorrow, 
Whom  no  words  of  pity  cheer, 

Unto  whom  each  opening  morrow, 
Still  is  desolate  and  drear, 

Hath  the  tomb  thine  idols  hidden  ? 

Did  the  trusted  leave  thy  side  ? 
Were  thy  fond  affections  chidden 

Till  each  clasping  tendril  died  ? 

Did  thy  chosen  props  deceive  thee  ? 

Was  thy  strong  reliance  spurn'd  ? 
Or  did  stern  indifference  grieve  thee 

When  thy  soul  for  balm-drops  yearn'd  ? 

Look  to  Jesus,  lonely  hearted, 
He  thy  secret  sigh  hath  heard, 

He,  the  scorn'd, — denied, — deserted, 
By  the  indebted  and  endear'd. 

What,  though  all  the  world  forsake  thee, 

If  His  favor  on  thee  shine, 
He  to  his  embrace  will  take  thee, 

With  a  sympathy  divine; 

So  shall  all  earth's  tribulation, 

All  its  solitude  of  pain, 
Minister  to  thy  salvation, 

Work  thine  everlasting  gain. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  133 


APKIL  XXVI. 

"  Save  me  from  the  Lion's  month." 

PSALMS,  xxii:  21. 

SHALL  the  form  the  Almighty  molded, 

For  the  creature  of  His  care, 
Shall  the  spirit  He  enfolded 
In  such  casket,  frail  and  rare, 

Stain  the  beauty  He  imparted 
Through  an  appetite  of  shame? 

Leave  affection  broken-hearted, 
Mourning  o'er  a  tarnished  name? 

Oh !  forbid  it,  Thou  who  givest 
Armor  to  the  tempted  soul, 

Thou,  who  in  Thy  glory  livest 
While  eternal  ages  roll ; 

Through  this  brief  and  dark  probation, 

Keep  us  from  such  evil  free, 
Be  our  Eefuge  and  Salvation, 

Till  we  find  a  home  with  Thee. 
12 


134  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


APRIL  XXVII. 

"lain  an  husbnmlmiui." 

XACHAKIAII,  xiii :  5. 

'Tis  better  Earth's  fair  gifts  to  take, 

Of  fruits,  and  corn,  and  hay, 
Than  in  her  cold,  unwilling  arms 
'Mid  all  the  pomp  of  war's  alarms 
Her  slaughter'd  sons  to  lay. 

Better  the  food  of  man  to  win 

From  her  consenting  mold, 
Than  fiercely,  with  a,  miser's  zest, 
Ransack  and  rend  her  shrinking  breast 

For  glittering  stones,  or  gold. 

Yes,  better  that  on  lowliest  tomb 
The  simple  phrase  appears, — 

" I  am  an  husbandman,"  than  claim 

From  History's  scroll,  a  despot's  name. 

And  rear,  though  nations  call  it  fa me, 
A  cenotaph  of  tears. 


APRIL  XXVIII. 

"  Out  of  the  mouth  of  bnbes  nnd  «ucklings." 

PSALMS,  viii:  2. 

FATHER  of  our  every  blessing, 
Thou,  for  whose  unceasing  care, 

Heaven  and  earth  are  praise  addressing 
Hear  thy  little  children's  prayer. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  135 

Wisdom  with  our  stature  grant  us, 

Goodness  for  each  growing  year, 
Xor  let  folly's  wiles  enchant  us 

From  our  duty's  sacred  sphere. 

Father!  may  we  all  inherit 

The  dear  Saviour's  lowly  mind, 
His  serene  and  loving  spirit, 

Ever  truthful,  ever  kind: 

So,  when  life  with  us  is  ending, 

When  the  pulse  forsakes  the  breast, 

Shall  our  happy  souls  ascending 
With  thy  holy  angels  rest. 


APRIL  XXIX. 

"Praise  wniteth  for  Tliee,  Oh  Cod,  in  Zion  " 

PSALMS,  bcv:  1. 

THANKS  for  the  Sabbath's  holy  ray ! 

Which  like  a  chain  of  gold  doth  bind 
More  closely  to  the  angel-train, 

Each  lowly  and  obedient  mind, 
While  in  their  Father's  House  they  meet, 
Their  prayers  and  praises  to  repeat 


136  DAILY     COUNSELLOR. 

Thanks  for  the  Gospel's  blessed  voice ! 

That  lamp  from  sin  and  woe  to  save, 
Which  guides  us  through  the  maze  of  life 

And  bids  the  darkness  of  the  grave 
Glow  with  a  light  that  can  not  die, 
The  rainbow  of  Eternity. 

Thanks  for  our  lengthen'd  span  of  time, 
While  many  a  younger  one  hath  fled 

Like  rose-bud,  fading  ere  its  prime : 
Oh  Thou !  who  from  the  voiceless  dead 

Eepriev'st  us  still,  accept  our  praise, 

And  write  Thy  wisdom  on  our  days. 


APRIL  XXX. 

"  Remember  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  he  said,  it  is  more  blessed  to  give  thnn  to 
receive."  ACTS,  xx:  35. 

"To  give,  or  to  receive,  which  is  most  blessed?" 
Make  trial,  Friend,  if  thou  dost  doubt  the  word 
Of  Him  who  spake  as  man  ne'er  spake  before : — 
Begin  to-day. 

Do  any  quake  with  cold  ? 
Bid  the  bright  fire  light  up  his  dreary  hut ; 
Disperse  thy  garments,  ere  the  moth  invade ; 
Be  tender  to  the  sick ;  unfold  the  page 
Of  knowledge  to  the  uninstructed  mind ; 
Enter  the  prison,  with  a  voice  of  cheer ; 
Lend  to  the  fallen  one  thy  helping  hand, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  137 

And  add  no  blame;  lead  the  poor  wanderer  back; 

Scat  the  lone  exile  at  thy  cheerful  board ; 

Be  courteous  to  thy  foe;  embrace  thy  friend; 

In  thine  own  home,  speak  the  sweet  words  of  love  ; 

Make  the  poor  house-dog  happy;  let  the  ant 

And  every  harmless  insect  pass  unscathed 

In  their  Great  Maker's  name;  with  no  barb'd  hook, 

Distress  the  finny  people  of  the  flood ; 

Nor  for  thy  sport  the  callow  nest  bereave, 

Stifling  the  song  in  blood;  draw  back  the  hand 

That  shakes  the  sharp  lash  o'er  the  laboring  beast ; 

Eemove  the  stone  that  bars  the  traveler's  way ; 

Make  the  bare  desert  blossom ;  in  each  nook 

Of  vacant  ground,  plant  the  fruit-bearing  tree: 

Dost  ask,  for  whom  ?     No  matter.     God  doth  know. 

Learn  this  first  lesson  of  humanity 

Daily  and  well,  and  thou,  perhaps,  may'st  need 

Xo  study  of  the  second,  for  thou'lt  know 

The  secret  of  our  pilgrim  happiness 

On  earth.     The  unexacting  sympathy 

That  like  the  rain  of  Heaven  falls  sweet  on  all 

Doth  feed  immortal  flowers. 

12* 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  141 


MAY  I. 

"Wlio  mnketh  grass  to  grow  upon  the  mountains." 

PSALMS,  cxlvii:  8. 

COME  forth !  come  forth !  at  the  dewy  morn, 
Come  forth  to  the  groves,  mid  the  scented  thorn ; 
There's  a  rushing  of  wings  through  the  vernal  sky, 
A  gleaming  of  plumes,  like  the  rainbow's  dye. 
There  are  gushes  of  melody,  wildly  stirred, 
A  chant  of  love  for  the  brooding  bird, 
And  a  warbled  chorus  from  tree  and  spray, 
Hail  to  thee,  May  I 

Come,  twine  a  wreath  of  the  earliest  green, 
With  cowslip  buds  and  the  violet  sheen, 
The  daisy  is  up  mid  the  tufted  grass, 
The  king-cup  nods  as  we  gliding  pass, 
The  fox-glove  exults  on  the  hillock's  side, 
And  the  hyacinth  kindles  the  garden's  pride, 
And  their  petals  thrill,  as  they  whispering  say, 
Hail  to  thee,  May ! 

List, — list  to  that  sound,  like  the  lute's  faint  sigh, 
From  the  shaded  dells  where  the  mosses  lie ; 
"  The  florist  sought,  with  the  spring's  first  ray, 
Where  his  tulip-bulbs  and  his  lilies  lay, 
Yet  no  man  cared  for  our  nameless  bed, 
Where  the  frost-chain  bound  us  so  dark  and  dread, 
But  He,  who  rules  where  the  seraphs  wait, 
He  remembered  us  all  in  our  low  estate, 
He  quickened  our  hearts  mid  the  desolate  sod, 
Praise  to  our  God !  " 


142  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  II. 

1 1  fell  at  his  feet  to  worship  him,  and  he  siiid  unto  me,— See  thou  do  it  not:  worship  God." 

RKVKLATION,  xix :  10. 

WHOM  did  I  worship  in  my  youth? 

The  beautiful,  the  brave, 
The  good,  the  wise,  the  just,  the  kind, 

I  was  their  willing  slave ; 

Yet,  one  by  one,  to  me  they  spake, 

We  are  your  fellow- worms, 
Your  brethren,  for  a  Saviour's  sake, 

But  not  celestial  forms ; 

Yes,  one  by  one,  their  voice  I  heard, 

Even  from  the  burial-sod, — 
"  Eenounce  all  idols  made  of  clay, 

And  worship  only  God." 


MAY  III. 

"Let  there  be  light." 

GENESIS,  i :  3. 

LIGHT  for  the  dreary  vales 

Of  ice-bound  Labrador, 
Where  the  frost-king  breathes  on  the  slippery  sails, 

Till  the  mariner  wakes  no  more. 
Lift  high  the  lamp  that  never  failsr 

O'er  that  dark  and  sterile  share. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  143 

Light  for  the  forest  child ! 

An  outcast  though  he  be, 
From  the  haunts  where  the  sun  of  his  childhood  smiled, 

And  the  country  of  the  free ; 
Pour  the  hope  of  heaven  o'er  his  desert  wild, 

For  what  hope  on  earth  has  he  ? 

Light  on  the  Hindoo  shed ! 

On  the  maddening  idol  train, 
The  flame  of  the  suttee  is  dire  and  red, 

And  the  fakir  faints  with  pain, 
And  the  dying  moan  on  their  cheerless  bed, 

By  the  Ganges  laved  in  vain. 

Light  for  the  Persian  sky ! 

The  Sophis'  wisdom  fades, 
And  the  pearls  of  Ormus  are  poor  to  buy 

Armor  when  death  invades. 
Hark !  hark !  'tis  the  Christian  teacher's  sigh 

From  Ararat's  mournful  shades. 

Light  for  the  Burman  vales ! 

For  the  islands  of  the  sea ! 
For  the  coast  where  the  slave-ship  fills  her  sails 

"With  sighs  of  agony, 
And  her  kidnapped  babes  the  mother  wails 

'Neath  the  lone  banana  tree ! 

Light  for  the  ancient  race 

Exiled  from  Zion's  rest ! 
Homeless  they  roam  from  place  to  place, 

Benighted  and  oppressed, 
They  shudder  at  Sinai's  fearful  base, 

Guide  them  to  Calvary's  breast. 


144  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  IV. 


WHEN  the  dews  are  fresh,  and  cool, 

In  the  morning,  sow  thy  seed, 
"While  the  bright-wing'd  birds  of  hope 

Mix  their  music  with  the  deed, 
Not  at  neon,  when  suns  are  high 

And  the  tares  usurp  the  soil, 
Lest  the  thistle  and  the  thorn 

Mar  the  promise  of  thy  toil : 

Not  at  evening,  when  the  wain 

Homeward  to  the  garner  goes, 
And  the  lengthening  shadows  fall, 

And  the  reaper  seeks  repose ; 
All  too  late  the  sowers  care  - 

While  the  harvest  joys  proceed, 
Parent !  with  the  dews  of  prayer, 

In  the  morning,  sow  thy  seed. 


MAY  V. 

"My  limes  nre  in    Thy  Hand." 

PSALMS,  xxxi:  15. 

THERE  is  a  time  of  birth, 

The  wailing  infant's  cry, 
The  mother's  yearning  kiss, 
The  strong,  unspoken  bliss 
Of  young  paternity. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  145 

There  is  a  time  of  sport, 

For  merry  childhood's  train, 
The  gambol  and  the  glee, 
The  blossom  on  life's  tree, 

That  cometh  not  again. 

There  is  a  time  of  hope, 

When  youth's  affections  twine, 
Mid  pleasure's  rosy  light, 
Around  the  fair  and  bright, 

Like  tendrils  of  the  vine. 

Oh  when  Death's  sable  cloud 

This  scroll  of  life  shall  blot, 
Ruler  of  Sea  and  Land, 
My  times  are  in  Thy  Hand, 

Forsake  me  not. 


MAY  VI. 

'This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made;— we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it." 

PSALMS,  cxviii :  24. 

SWEET  day  of  rest, — begin ! 

The  week  hath  had  its  way, 
With  care  and  strife  and  folly's  din^ 

And  scarce  a  pause  to  pray. 

The  week  its  league  hath  kept 

In  Mammon's  mine  to  moil, 
Full  wearily  its  votaries  slept, 

And  early  rose  to  toil. 

'  13 


146  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

At  morn,  the  sowers  went 
Their  earthly  seed  to  cast, 

And  some  upon  the  winds  were  spent 
To  reap  the  winds  at  last. 

With  many  a  sharp  regret, 
And  hope  that  vainly  burned, 

'Mid  the  stern  tasks  the  World  hath  set, 
Have  we  its  lessons  learned. 

The  week  hath  had  its  fill 
Of  service  and  of  speech, 

Six  days  and  nights  it  ruled  at  will, 
But  one,  it  shall  not  reach : 

We  see  its  dawning  gem 

Gleam  o'er  the  mountain's  breast, 

Kneeling,  we  kiss  its  garment's  hem, 
All  hail !  sweet  Day  of  rest ! 


MAY  VII. 

"The  Lord  will  strengthen  him  upon  the  bed  of  languishing.    Thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed  in 
his  sickness."  PSALMS,  xli :  3. 

WHEN  sickness  chains  the  frame 

And  dims  the  tearful  eye, 
When  tossing  in  the  grasp  of  pain 

On  sleepless  couch  I  lie, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  147 

Thou,  who  the  untold  pang  did'st  bear 

Of  Calvary's  torturing  tree, 
Protect  my  spirit  from  despair, 

Oh  Lord,  remember  me. 

Remove  the  rooted  tares 

That  in  my  bosom  spring 
And  threat  the  tender  plants  of  hope 

With  their  envenom'd  sting, 
Nor  let  of  suffering  and  of  sin, 

My  double  burden  be, 
As  healer  of  my  soul  come  in, 

Oh  Lord,  remember  me. 

The  measure  of  my  days, 

How  long  I  have  to  live, 
Is  known  to  Thee, — my  strength  sustain ! 

For  man  no  help  can  give, 
Proportion'd  to  my  pressing  need, 

Let  thy  compassions  be, 
Have  pity  on  a  bruised  reed, 

0  Lord,  remember  me. 

If  far  from  friends  and  home 

Thou  will'st  that  I  should  die, 
Make  Thou  thine  holy  will  mine  own, 

And  strength  and  peace  supply, 
A  smitten,  yet  a  trusting  soul, 

Unto  Thy  feet  I  flee, 
And  though  the  darkest  billows  roll, 

O  Lord,  remember  me. 


148  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  VIII. 


**Lord.  I  pray  Thee,  open  his  eyes,  that  he  mny  see. 
2xD  Ki 


THOU,  who  at  the  prophet's  cry, 
"When  the  Syrian  host  was  nigh 
To  his  servant's  eye  reveal'd 
Sights  from  grosser  sense  concealed, 
All  the  hill-top  cover'd  high, 
With  angelic  company. 
Oh !  to  us,  when  pain  or  strife, 
Frowning,  hedge  the  path  of  life, 
Deign  with  mercy's  beam  to  show, 
Seraph-bands  that  round  us  glow, 
Heavenly  hosts,  a  shining  train, 
'Till  our  strength  revives  again, 
And  we  dread  no  mortal  foe, 
Shielded  and  encompass'd  so. 

When,  dejected  and  alone, 
In  the  hour  of  grief  we  moan, 
Comes  there  not  a  rushing  sigh 
Of  mysterious  sympathy, 
Like  their  breath,  who  erst  have  trod 
With  us,  o'er  this  thorny  sod? 
Father !  whose  unresting  prayer 
Propp'd  us  'mid  our  daily  care, 
Mother !  long  by  sickness  bent, 
Yet  with  sympathy  unspent, 
Sister !  Brother !  ever  dear, 
Sharing  with  us,  srnile  and  tear, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  149 

Friend!  who  sate  at  day's  decline, 
Clasping  close  our  hand  in  thine, 
Babe!  who  'neath  the  spoiler's  sting, 
Cradle  chang'd  for  cherub's  wing, 
Flit  }^e  not,  as  shadows  glide, 
Gathering  fondly  to  our  side? 
All  unseen,  for  us  ye  feel, 
All  unseen,  our  wounds  ye  heal, 
Pouring  in  your  spirit-balm, 
Girding  us  with  angel-arm, 
Though  your  features  veil'd  must  be 
By  this  cloud- wrought  canopy, 
Though  your  voice  we  may  not  hear, 
Well  we  know,  you  hover  near. 

When  in  death's  dark  trance  we  lie, 
Earth  receding  from  our  eye, 
Sad  affection's  whisper'd  word 
Falling  on  our  ear  unheard, 
Maker  of  our  fainting  frame! 
From  whose  breath  this  being  came, 
Wilt  thou  to  our  swimming  sight 
Show  these  ministers  of  light? 
Who  with  snowy  pinions  spread 
Waiting  for  the  righteous  dead, 
Bear  him  through  the  trackless  sky, 
Where  his  Saviour's  mansions  lie, 
Where,  each  mortal  conflict  o'er, 
He  shall  need  their  aid  no  more. 

13* 


150  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  IX. 


"Forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors." 

MATTHEW,  vi:  12. 


OH,  harden  not  thy  heart,  my  Son ! 

To  human  guilt  and  woe, 
For  we  are  sinners  every  one, 
And  doubtless  should  be  all  undone, 

Did  God  no  mercy  show : 

The  boon  of  pitying  kindness  share 

Even  with  thy  bitterest  foe, 
So  shalt  thou,  in  thy  fervent  prayer, 
To  heaven,  the  great  petition  dare, 
Forgive  the  debt  I  owe. 


MAY  X. 

''  Take  fast  hold  of  instruction,  let  her  not  go,  keep  her,  for  she  is  tliy  life." 

PROVERBS,  iv:  13. 

Now,  while  the  buds  of  hope  and  jo} 

On  their  green  stems  unfold, 
Bow  to  Instruction's  voice,  and  seek 

For  wisdom,  more  than  gold ; 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  151 

Enjoy  the  flowers  that  by  thy  side 

In  life's  bright  pathway  glow, 
And  bid  the  incense  of  their  pride 

Back  to  the  Author  flow ; 

And  so,  the  rugged  thorns  control 

That  round  thy  footsteps  cling, 
That  Christ's  sweet  spirit  in  thy  soul, 

May  neutralize  their  sting ; 

Then  shall  fair  Hope's  unsullied  wreath, 

For  thee  its  tints  prolong, 
And  earth's  frail  harp  the  prelude  breathe 

To  heaven's  unending  song. 


MAY   XI. 

'  All  thy  works  ahull  pruise  thee,  Oh  Lord  !  ami  thy  saints  shall  bless  thee." 

PSALMS,  exlv :  10. 

THE  first-born  rose  of  vernal  prime 

That  opes  its  bosom  rare, 
In  gentle  sighs  of  fragrant  breath 

Awakes  its  morning  prayer : 

The  summer-bird  on  raptured  wing, 

That  cleaves  the  vaulted  sky, 
Doth  to  the  great  Creator  pour 

Its  gushing  minstrelsy : 


152  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Rich  Autumn,  with  her  fruitful  hoard, 
Her  harvests  ripening  fair, 

The  golden  sheaf,  and  loaded  wain, 
Both  praise  the  Giver's  care : 

Even  Winter  in  his  Sabbath  rest 
Adores  the  King  of  might, 

And  every  snow  flake  speaks  of  Him 
Who  robes  the  earth  in  white. 

Thou  art  his  servant,  0  my  soul, 
By  birth,  by  choice,  by  vow, 

By  bounties  of  each  rolling  year, — 
Prove  thy  allegiance  now : 

Yea,  prove  it  as  each  passing  day 

Unfolds  its  pinions  fleet, 
By  deeds  of  love,  by  thoughts  of  prayer 

By  strains  of  worship  sweet : 

Make  this  brief  life  a  song  of  praise 

Where'er  thy  lot  may  be, 
And  learn  the  language  here  below 

Of  heaven's  eternity. 


MAY  XII. 

"  He  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed." 

PSALMS,  cj 

THE  rooted  seed  o'erpowered  the  thorn, 
The  weed,  the  worm,  the  blight, 

While  the  fresh  leaf  and  vigorous  corn 
Successive,  cheered  the  sight : 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  153 

"\Vliat  gave  so  soon  the  harvest-pride, 

To  life's  unfolding  years  ? 
The  Heavenly  Husbandman  replied, 

The  seed  was  steeped  in  tears. 


MAY  XIII. 

1  He  shall  doubtless  come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him.' 

PSALMS,  ( 

BEAR  precious  seed,  and  go 

Forth  to  thy  work  of  toil, 
"Where'er  the  unerring  Master's  hand 

Shall  designate  the  soil. 

Perchance  in  native  clime, 

Perchance  beyond  the  sea, 
Where'er  his  wisdom  marks  the  field, 

That  is  the  place  for  thee. 

Though  labor  mark  the  path, 

And  grief  thy  heart  assail, 
Go  fearless  forth,  and  trust  in  Him 

Whose  promise  can  not  fail. 

Sow  precious  seed,  in  hope 

Its  blessed  fruits  to  see 
In  God's  own  good,  appointed  time, 

That  is  the  time  for  thee. 


154  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 

Nor  doubt  the  contrite  tear 
That  dews  the  furrowed  clay, 

Shall  multiply  the  ripened  sheaves 
At  the  great  harvest  day. 


MAY  XIV. 

"What  lock  I  yet?" 

MATTHEW,  xix:  20. 

"  WHAT  lack  I  yet  ?"     Oh  blinded  heart, 
Buoy'd  up  by  thoughtless  pride, 

Unconscious  of  thine  own  desert, 
And  borne  on  folly's  tide, 

Thou  lackest  much,  couldst  thou  but  see 

How  Heaven's  just  Eye  regardeth  thee, 

"  What  lack  I  yet?"     Thy  foes  can  say, 

And  wiser  'twere  to  heed 
The  thorns  they  plant  beside  thy  way 

Than  flattery's  hollow  reed; 
One  wakes  perchance,  to  watch  and  weep, 
The  other  lures  to  dangerous  sleep. 

"  What  lack  I  yet  ?"     Oh,  Judge  Divine, 

Low  at  Thy  feet  I  fall, 
Poor,  needy  Creature !  prone  to  sin 

And  destitute  of  all 
That  might  commend  my  soul  to  Thee 
Save  helplessness  and  misery. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  155 


MAY  XV. 

"  I  will  sing  aloud  of  thy  mercy  in  the  morning." 

PS.U.MS,  lix :  16. 

How  sweet  to  meet  the  vernal  rays, 

When  fresli  from  Heaven  they  dart, 
And  while  retreating  Winter  cold 
Unchains  the  prisoned  flower,  to  hold 
Communion  with  the  heart, 

To  ask  it  whence  its  fondest  hopes, 

Its  deepest  cares  proceed, 
"What  wakes  the  cherish'd  fount  of  joy, 
What  chosen  theme  its  prayers  employ, 

Or  stir  its  pitying  deed, 

Eemind  it  of  the  bounteous  Hand 

That  still  its  life  sustains, 
And  bids  the  crimson  tide  of  health 
With  all  its  superflux  of  wealth 

Flow  through  the  bounding  veins, 

And  as  the  mists  on  pinions  white, 

From  vale  and  thicket  rise, 
Innate  its  powers  o'er  earth  to  soar, 
And  with  enkindling  warmth  adore 

The  Euler  of  the  skies, 

Even  as  the  birds  from  spray  to  spray 

Eesponsive  carols  sing, 
Bid  it  attune  its  inward  lyre 
And  with  Creation's  hymn  conspire 

To  praise  Creation's  king. 


156  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  XVI. 

"  We  shall  all  l>e  clmnpe.1." 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  xv  :  51. 

OH  speak  of  Death, 

But  as  the  passage  from  one  pleasant  room 
Unto  another,  in  our  Father's  House : 
A  higher  and  a  better,  so  we  trust. 
— And  if  that  way  seem  dark,  what  matters  it? 
Faith  hath  a  lamp  to  light  it,  and  we  hold 
Fast  by  His  hand,  who  is  "  the  truth  and  life  " 
While  thro'  the  vista,  sigh  the  soft,  sweet  tones, 
Of  those  who  went  before  us, — "  Hail !  all  hail, 
Come  dear  ones, — clasp  our  hands  and  part  no  more. 


MAY  XVII. 

"When  thou  pnssest  through  the  water?,  I  will  be  with  thee." 

ISAIAH,  xliii  :  3. 

OLD  Ocean  hath  a  fearful  path 

Across  his  heaving  breast 
The  might  of  beauty,  and  of  wrath 

Is  on  his  briny  crest, 
Yet  tho'  his  hoarsest  thunders  roll 

Go  forth,  devoid  of  care, 
The  precious  promise  in  thy  soul 

That  God  is  with  thee  there. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  157 

Storms  on  the  deep ! — The  clouds  grow  dark, 

The  mocking  winds  arise, 
Fierce  billows  threat  the  trembling  bark, 

And  rock  to  surge  replies, 
Thou  hast  a  fortress,  trusting  soul, 

Thou  hast  a  shield  of  prayer, 
A  God,  whose  word  the  waves  control, 

Is  He  not  with  thee,  there? 

And  when,  once  more,  thy  native  land 

In  outline  dimly  sweet, 
Shall  as  a  beckoning  Angel  stand 

Thy  watchful  eye  to  greet, 
And  when  thy  welcom'd  feet  shall  tread 

Thy  home,  like  Eden  fair, 
Joy's  grateful  garland  round  thy  head, 

May  God  be  with  thee  there. 


MAY   XVIII. 

'  How  earnest  tliou  in  hither, — not  having  a  wedding  garment  *  " 

MATTHEW, 

GRANT  me  a  wedding  garment, 

My  Saviour  and  my  King, 
As  to  Thy  Sacramental  board 

My  trembling  vows  I  bring  I 

Oh !  if  I  have  a  passport 

Here,  with  Thy  saints  to  press, 

And  break  the  bread,  and  taste  the  cup 
That  Thou  on  earth  didst  bless, 

14 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


And  if  I  have  a  promise 

O'er  this  frail  flesh  to  rise, 
And  share  a  glorious  banquet,  spread 

Eternal  in  the  skies, 

Where  past  is  every  sorrow, 
And  foiled  the  spoiler's  sting, 

Grant  me  the  wedding  garment,  now, 
My  Saviour  and  my  King. 


MAY  XIX. 

> 

"Jesus  raiil,  wherefore  didst  thou  doubt?" 

MATTHEW,  xiv:  31. 

WHAT  have  I  with  doubt  to  do? 

Is  my  Saviour  strong  to  save? 
Hath  he  crush'd  the  spoiler's  sting? 

Snatch'd  the  victory  from  the  grave? 

Saith  He,  in  his  Holy  Word, 

"Whoso  cometh  unto  me, 
Shall  in  no  wise  be  cast  out?" 

Is  His  promise  true  as  free? 

Is  the  fitness  He  requireth, 

Earnestly  to  seek  His  face, 
Feel  our  need, — repent  our  folly, 

And  receive  the  boundless  grace? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  159 

Shall  we  then  distrust  His  goodness? 

Shall  we  disobey  His  voice? 
Shun  the  light,  and  walk  in  darkness 

"When  He  bids  us  to  rejoice? 

Shall  we  bow  in  heathen  sorrow 
Mourning  all  our  journey  through? 

Fearing,  murmuring,  disbelieving? 
What  have  we  with  doubt  to  do? 


MAY  XX. 

"Wherefore  I  praised  the  dead,  which  are  already  dend,  more  than  the  living,  which  are  yet 
alive."  ECCLESIASTES,  iv  :  2. 

THEY  dread  no  storms  that  lower, 

No  perish'd  joys  bewail, 
They  pluck  no  thorn-clad  flower 

Nor  drink  of  streams  that  fail, 
There  is  no  tear-drop  in  their  eye,    ' 

No  change  upon  their  brow, 
Their  placid  bosom  heaves  no  sigh, 

Though  all  earth's  idols  bow. 

Who  are  so  greatly  blest  ? 

From  whom  hath  sorrow  fled? 
Who  share  such  deep,  unbroken  rest 

Where  all  things  toil ?     The  dead! 
The  holy  dead.     Why  weep  ye  so 

Above  yon  sable  bier? 
Thrice  blessed!  they  have  done  with  woe, 

The  living  claim  the  tear. 


160  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Go  to  their  sleeping  bowers, 

Deck  their  low  couch  of  clay 
With  earliest  spring's  soft-breathing  flowers: 

And  when  they  fade  away, 
Think  of  the  amaranthine  wreath, 

The  garlands  never  dim, 
And  tell  me,  why  thou  fly'st  from  death, 

Or  hid'st  thy  friends  from  him. 

We  dream, — but  they  awake ; 

Dread  visions  mar  our  rest; 
Through  thorns  and  snares  our  way  we  take, 

And  yet  we  mourn  the  blest ! 
For  spirits  round  the  Eternal  Throne, 

How  vain  the  tears  we  shed, 
They  are  the  living, — they  alone 

Whom  thus  we  call  the  dead! 


MAY  XXI. 

"Lord,  I  believe." 

MARK  ix:  24. 

"  LORD,  I  believe ! "  the  father  cried, 
His  suffering  child  who  brought, 

And  mov'd  by  agonizing  love, 
Eestoring  mercy  sought, 

And  still,  the  urgency  of  prayer 
Blent  with  his  tide  of  grief, 

And  trembling  tears  bedew 'd  the  words 
"Lord,  help  my  unbelief!" 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  161 

Then,  with  that  contrite  cry  for  aid 

Which  from  the  spirit  burst, 
The  faith  was  born,  which  casts  away 

All  self-reliant  trust, 

Which  resteth  not  in  cold  assent, 

Or  reason's  lifeless  form, 
But  meekly  bears  a  Saviour's  cross, 

In  sunshine,  or  in  storm, 

And,  tho'  the  clouds  of  mystery  frown 

Around  this  darken'd  vale, 
Still  waits,  and  walks,  and  works  by  love, 

The  faith  that  can  not  fail. 


MAY  XXII. 

"  Help  thou  mine  unbelief." 

MARK,  ix:  24. 

WHEN  musing  where  are  lifeless  laid 

The  idols  of  our  trust, 
Close  sealed  in  death's  sepulchral  shade, 

And  moldering  into  dust, 
Yet  hearing  they  shall  rise  afresh 

From  their  consuming  bed, 
And  every  bone  be  clothed  with  flesh 

On  which  the  worms  had  fed, 
If  still  beside  the  tomb  we  bend, 

In  desolating  grief. 
And  deeply  mourn  the  buried  friend, 

Lord,  help  our  unbelief. 
'       F  14* 


162  DAILY     COUNSELLOR. 

When  on  our  sins,  from  day  to  day, 

With  trembling  fear  we  look, 
And  know  that  every  evil  thought 

Hath  record  in  Thy  book, 
And  feel  our  ingrate  hearts  each  hour 

Thy  love  and  precepts  spurn, 
And  to  the  false  delights  of  earth 

With  treacherous  ardor  turn, 
Yet  hear  Thee  offer  heaven  to  those 

Who  are  of  sinners  chief, — 
'Mid  all  our  wanderings,  all  our  woes, 

Lord,  help  our  unbelief. 


MAY  XXIII. 

'Nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but  ns  Thou  wilt." 

MATTHIW,  xxvi :  39. 

THOU  lovest  well  thine  own  blind  way, 

Poor  heart  of  sin,  and  pain ! 
Though  frail  thy  purpose  of  a  day, 

And  all  thy  wisdom  vain, 

Thou  shrinkest  from  the  fires  that  cross 

Thy  temper,  and  thy  joy, 
And  purge  away  the  blackening  dross 

That  would  thy  gold  alloy, 

Thou  tremblest  at  the  blasts  that  sweep 

Thine  airy  castles  down, 
Though  there  in  wealth  and  pride  to  sleep 

Might  be  to  lose  thy  crown, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  163 

Thou  at  the  piercing  thorn  dost  start, 

The  yoke  revolting  bear, 
Unmindful  that  affliction's  dart 

Doth  mark  a  Father's  care: 

Oh !  rather  His  unerring  test 

With  filial  prayer  endure, 
Believing  that  His  will  is  best, 

And  every  promise  sure. 


MAY  XXIV. 

"  Defend  the  poor  nnd  fatherless." 

PSALMS,  Ixxxii :  3. 

MANY  a  gift  doth  Love  bestow, 
On  the  sons  of  want  and  woe, 
As  with  pity  by  her  side, 
O'er  the  earth  her  footsteps  glide, 
Yet  she  seems  amid  her  care, 
Most  an  angel's  form  to  wear, 
When  she  bends  in  meekness  low 
O'er  the  lonely  orphan's  woe. 

Heaven-born  Charity  doth  take 
Many  a  form,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
O'er  the  mountain  and  the  wave, 
Wide  she  speeds  to  heal  and  save ; 
But  the  hearts  that  feel  her  power 
And  within  their  own  sweet  bower 
Deign  to  bless  the  orphan's  lot, 
Shall  not  be  by  God  forgot. 


164  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  XXV. 

"My  voice  shult  Thou  hear  in  the  morning." 

PSALMS,  v :  3. 

PRAISE  to  our  Father,  God, 
With  the  first  dawning  light, 

Who  watchful  drew  his  angel-guard 
Around  us  through  the  night, 

And  while  so  many  die, 

Or  lost  in  anguish,  weep, 
Or  on  the  couch  of  suffering  lie, 

Gave  us  His  blessed  sleep. 

With  every  leaf  that  springs 
Fresh  from  the  nightly  shower, 

With  every  bird  that  waking  sings 
Amid  its  nested  bower, 

May  our  heart-prompted  strain 

Harmoniously  ascend, 
Until  through  Christ's  dear  love  we  gain 

The  life  that  hath  no  end. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  165 


MAY  XXVI. 


'God,  who  commanded  t!ie  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness." 
2ND  CORINTH 


MIDNIGHT  on  tlie  stormy  ocean ! 

Tumult  mid  the  blast  and  wave 
Every  shrieking  shroud  in  motion 

None  to  succor,  none  to  save, 
Every  star  in  terror  hiding, 

Every  refuge  wrapped  in  gloom, 
And  a  slender  plank  dividing 

From  the  drear  and  watery  tomb, 
Still,  oh  Lord,  thy  mercy  liveth, 

Thy  compassion  answereth  prayer, 
And  Thy  blest  remembrance  giveth 

Solace  mid  that  deep  despair. 

Midnight,  and  the  time  of  weeping! 

Wild  the  tides  of  anguish  roll, 
Pain  and  grief  like  sentries  keeping 

Guard  above  the  prostrate  soul, 
Sj'mpathy  is  weak  to  aid  it, 

Earthly  comforters  are  vain, 
Only  he,  the  God  who  made  it, 

Can  its  agony  restrain  : 
Then  his  love,  with  strong  dominion, 

And  his  truth's  resistless  sway, 
Like  an  angel's  radiant  pinion, 

Turneth  darkness  into  day. 


166  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


MAY  XXVII. 

"He  will  beautify  the  meek  with  salvation." 

Ps ALMS,  cxlix  :  4. 

WHOM  will  our  Father  beautify? 

Those  whom  the  world  call  great, 
Who,  clad  in  silk  and  purple,  boast 

Their  pomp  of  high  estate  ? 

Whom  will  our  Father  beautify  ? 

The  young,  the  fair,  the  brave? 
A  garland  on  their  brow  they  bear 

That  withers  at  the  grave : 

But  with  approval  of  the  skies 
That  language  fails  to  speak, 

He  deigns  to  robe  the  lowly  soul, 
And  beautify  the  meek. 


MAY  XXVIII. 

'He  shall  be  like  the  heath  in  the  desert,  nnd  shall  not  see  when  good  cometh. 

JEREMIAH 


THERE  falls  a  bless'd  rain  on  the  desolate  scene, 
The  long-withered  herbage  is  healthful  and  green, 
New  verdure  replaces  the  bramble  and  thorn, 
In  dry,  sterile  regions  fresh  fountains  are  born, 
The  murmur  of  streamlets  rejoices  the  ear, 
Wake,  heath  of  the  desert, — salvation  is  near. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  167 

There  breathes  a  soft  wind  o'er  the  bones  of  the  slain, 
It  hath  clothed  them  with  flesh,  they  are  living  again, 
Like  the  host  of  the  Lord,  in  bright  armor  they  stand, 
Their  banners  float  out,  at  His  word  of  command, 
The  wilderness  smiles  on  their  gorgeous  array, 
Wake,  heath  of  the  desert,  and  welcome  their  way. 

There  sweeps  a  black  cloud  o'er  the  blue  of  the  sky, 
Hoarse  thunders  are  threatening,  the  tempest  draws  nigh, 
The  chariot  of  God  rolleth  on  in  its  ire, 
The  mountains  are  humbled,  the  vallies  aspire, 
Hark! — the  scorner,  the  slumberer,  their  folly  deplore, 
Wake,  heath  of  the  desert,  ere  time  be  no  more. 


MAY  XXIX. 

"  A  day  in  Thy  courts  is  better  than  n  thougnnd." 

PSALMS,  Ixxxiv :  10. 

HAIL  !  consecrated  spot, 
Here  would  I  choose  my  lot 

Of  Sabbath  praise, 
Until  his  icy  hand, 
Who  cuts  this  mortal  band, 

Shall  close  my  days. 

Oh!  holy  men  of  prayer! 
Let  me  your  worship  share, 

Until  I  see 

Yon  hosts  in  glorious  light, 
Yon  angels  robed  in  white, 

A  goodly  company, 


168  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Until  my  raptured  ear 
Eternal  songs  shall  hear 

With  harpings  blest, 
And  in  the  Church  above, 
Whose  ritual  is  love, 

Find  perfect  rest. 


MAY  XXX. 

"Giving  thniiks  alwnys,  for  nil  things." 

EPHKSIANS,  v:  20. 

LORD  of  the  bird,  and  the  green  leaf,  that  pour 

Their  vernal  matin  forth  in  bud,  and  song, 
Dost  thou  not  claim  from  the  frail,  human  heart 

The  same  fresh  incense,  oft  withheld  too  long? 
Dost  thou  not  bid,  when  the  wild  storm  is  past, 

That  it  should  yield  to  Thee,  with  tearful  trust, 
Each  cherish'd  tendril  smitten  by  the  blast, 

Each  riven  blossom  humbled  in  the  dust? 
And  firm  in  cheerful  and  confiding  hope, 

Admit  the  wisdom  that  it  fails  to  see, 
And  from  its  sackcloth  and  its  ashes  raise 

A  strain  of  prayerful  melody  to  Thee, 
'Offering  with  equal  faith  and  equal  praise 

The  sunbeam,  or  the  cloud  that  marks  its  fleeting  days? 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  169 


MAY  XXXI. 

"Then  Isoid,  I  shall  die  in  my  nest." 

JOB,  xxix:  18. 

DIE  in  thy  nest? 

How  know'st  thou  ?     Who  hath  given 
Promise  like  this  ?     Did  the  stern  Archer  make 
Such  reservation?     Will  he  keep  the  pledge? 
His  office  is  to  smite,  and  not  to  hold 
Parley  with  any  one  of  woman  born. 

Die  in  thy  nest? 

Why,  from  thy  wandering  course 
O'er  vale,  or  ocean,  to  a  stranger  clime, 
Or  even  thy  daily  range  among  the  flowers, 
Who  told  thee  that  thou  shouldst  return  again? 

Thy  nest? 

Some  have  come  home  and  found  no  nest, 
Bough  wreck'd  by  winds,  tree  broken,  birdliugs  gone, 
Forest  uprooted,  and  the  very  name 
Forgotten,  that  was  once  a  household  song. 
Death  hath  a  swift  wing,  that  overmastereth  thine, 
And  reaps  austerely,  where  he  ne'er  hath  strewn. 
So,  trust  not,  brother,  a  reprieve  from  him, 
But  with  a  victor's  eye,  above  his  power, 
Leave  when  and  where  to  God,  and  be  content. 

15 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  173 


JUNE  I. 

"  The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd." 

PSALMS,  xxiii:  1. 

WHO  is  thy  Shepherd,  sportive  Lamb? 

Mid  the  bright  vernal  scene, 
Dipping  thy  foot  in  the  waters  still, 
And  gamboling  wide  at  thine  own  sweet  will 

Over  the  pastures  green? 

Frosts  will  come,  fountains  fail, 

Drifted  snows  load  the  vale; 
Lamb !  when  wintry  tempests  roll 

Who  will  shield  thee  from  the  cold? 
Christ  is  the  Shepherd  of  thy  soul, 
Come  to  his  fold. 

Who  is  thy  Shepherd,  wandering  Sheep? 

Love,  with  his  ardent  eye? 
Wealth,  leaning  on  a  wand  of  gold? 
Power,  in  his  palace,  sternly  cold  ? 

Fame,  with  the  clarion-cry? 

Love  changes,  Wealth  cheats, 

Power  falters,  Fame  fleets, 
O'er  summer  skies,  wild  tempests  roll, 

The  gauds  of  earth  grow  dim; 
Christ  is  the  Shepherd  of  thy  soul, 
Follow  thou  Him. 

15* 


174  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE    II. 

'Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart." 

PSALMS,  xxzvii:  4. 

DAUGHTER,  the  book  divine 

To  which  we  turn  for  aid, 
When  prosperous  skies  unclouded  shine, 

Or  dark-wing'd  storms  invade, 
Is  ever  open  to  thine  eye, 

Imprint  it  on  thy  soul, 
And  wisdom  that  can  never  die 

Shall  thy  young  thoughts  control. 

Sweetest,  the  cheek  of  bloom, 

Alas !  how  soon  'twill  wear 
The  clay-cold  coloring  of  the  tomb; 

Then,  while  thine  own  is  fair, 
Low  at  His  feet  imploring  fall, 

Who  loves  the  humble  mind, 
Whose  glorious  promise  is,  that  all 

Who  early  seek,  shall  find. 

Come,  ere  thy  hand  hath  wove 

The  first  fresh  wreaths  of  Spring, 
Come,  ere  a  worn  and  withered  love 

Is  all  thou  hast  to  bring, 
Remember  thy  Creator's  power, 

While  life  from  care  is  free, 
And  when  the  days  of  darkness  lower, 

He  will  remember  thee. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  175 

Yes,  give  thy  heart  to  Him, 

While  budding  hope  is  green, 
And  when  thy  mother's  eye  is  dim 

To  every  earthly  scene, 
When  this  fond  arm  that  circles  thee, 

Must  chill  and  powerless  lie, 
Our  parting  tear  the  pledge  shall  be 

Of  union  in  the  sky. 


JUNE  III. 

"Idle  in  the  market-plnce  " 

MATTHEW,  xx:  3. 

IDLE  in  the  market-place! 

Poor  day -laborer,  can  this  be? 
Who  thy  daily  bread  shall  earn? 

Who  thy  wages  give  to  thee? 

Idle  in  the  market-place! 

When  the  wearied  reapers  bend, 
Wrestling  with  the  bearded  wheat, 

And  the  harvest  soon  will  end? 

When  the  ripened  field  is  wide, 
And  the  morning  flies  apace, 
How,  contented,  canst  thou  stand 

Idle  in  the  market-place? 
15* 


176  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Listen  to  the  toiling  ant: 

"Work,"  she  murmureth,  "and  be  wise;" 
"Work,"  the  unresting  waters  say; 

"Work,"  the  fruitful  earth  replies. 

Nature  in  a  thousand  forms 
Gives  thee  counsel,  not  in  vain ; 

Heaven,  that  highest  teacher,  cries, 
"  Work"  and  thy  salvation  gain. 


JUNE  IV. 

"He  hath  marie  every  thing  beautiful  in  histime." 

ECCLKSIASTES,  tii:  11. 

OH,  God !  how  beautiful  is  Earth,    . 

In  sunbeam  or  in  shade : 
Her  forests  with  their  waving  arch; 

Her  flowers  that  gem  the  glade; 

Her  hillocks  white  with  fleecy  flocks; 

Her  fields  with  grain  that  glow; 
Her  sparkling  streamlets,  deep  and  broad, 

That  through  the  valleys  flow; 

Her  crested  waves  that  clasp  the  shore, 

And  lift  their  anthem  loud; 
Her  mountains,  with  their  solemn  brows, 

That  woo  the  yielding  cloud. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  177 

Oh,  God!  how  beautiful  is  Life, 

That  Thou  dost  lend  us  here, 
So  cheered  with  hopes  that  line  the  cloud, 

And  joys  that  gem  the  tear; 

With  cradle-hymns  of  mothers  young, 

And  tread  of  youthful  feet, 
That  scarce  in  their  elastic  bound 

Bow  down  the  grass-flowers  sweet; 

With  brightness  round  the  pilgrim's  staff, 

Who  at  the  setting  sun 
Beholds  the  golden  gate  thrown  wide, 

And  all  his  work  well  done. 

But  if  this  Earth,  which  changes  mar, 

This  life,  to  death  that  leads, 
Are  made  so  beautiful  by  Him, 

From  whom  all  good  proceeds, 

How  glorious  must  that  region  be 

Where  all  the  pure  and  blest, 
From  every  fear  and  sorrow  free, 

Attain  unbroken  rest. 


JUNE  V. 

"  And  Gideon  cnme  to  Jordon,  nnd  passed  over,  he,  and  the  three  hundred  men  that  were  with 
im,  faint,  yet  pursuing."  JUDGES,  viii:  4. 

OF  the  crystal  streamlet  taste, 
Warriors,  in  your  eager  haste, 
Here  refresh  your  wearied  line, 
Ere  in  battle-strife  ye  join. 


178  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Some  upon  the  verdant  strand, 
Scoop  the  water  with  their  hand, 
Others,  on  their  knees  supine, 
For  a  deeper  draught  incline. 
But  their  chieftain  standing  by, 
Mark'd  them  with  an  eagle-eye, 
And  his  heaving  bosom  fir'd, 
As  he  spake  the  doom  inspir'd. 

"By  the  few  who  scoop'd  the  wave, 
Shall  our  God,  his  Israel  save, 
On,  ye  chosen,  on  with  me, 
Yours  the  toil,  the  victory." 

Small  the  band,  yet  on  they  prest, 
Heaven's  own  courage  in  their  breast, 
And  the  strong  and  haughty  foe, 
Covering  all  the  vale  below, 
At  their  onset  bold  and  high, 
At  their  trumpet's  fearful  cry 
Prince,  and  chariot,  turn'd  and  fled, 
Helpless  in  that  hour  of  dread. 

Soldiers  of  a  glorious  head, 
While  this  leagur'd  earth  ye  tread, 
Lightly  taste  of  pleasure's  wave, 
Bow  not  down  like  passion's  slave, 
Lest,  while  others  watchful  stand, 
Ye  forget  the  promis'd  land, 
And  thy  Leader's  voice  decree 
Joy  to  them  and  shame  to  thee. 


DAILY    COUXSELLOK.  179 


JUNE  VI. 

"Why  seek  ye  the  living,  among  the  dead?" 

LUKE,  xxiv :  5. 

YE  lock  the  vault,  ye  bar  the  tomb, 

And  to  their  keeping  drear 
Commit  the  precious  treasure,  borne 

Upon  the  sable  bier, 
But  that  which  made  jour  idol  dear, 

The  essence  so  refined, 
That  woke  the  sigh,  the  smile,  the  tear, 

The  Soul,  ye  may  not  bind. 

Again  ye  come, — the  hoarded  gem 

O'er  which  ye  rear'd  with  care 
The  marble  arch,  the  fretted  shrine, 

The  sculptur'd  column  rare, 
Where  is  it?  lo!  what  fearful  change! 

The  flesh  hath  mock'd  your  trust, 
The  bone  its  fellow  bone  forsook, 

And  moldering  turn'd  to  dust. 

Thus  o'er  the  close-seal'd  tomb,  where  erst 

The  Lord  of  glory  slept, 
The  Eoman  soldiers,  still,  and  stern, 

Their  sleepless  vigil  kept, 
Dawn  came,  the  affrighted  watchmen  quail'd 

The  buried  form  had  fled, 
And  griev'd  affection  vainly  sought 

The  living  'mid  the  dead. 


180  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE    VII. 

'The  Lord  waten  between  me  anil  thee,  when  we  are  absent  one  from  another." 

GKNKSIS,  xxxi  :  49. 


the  boisterous  sea, 
Not  of  the  tempest's  power, 
Not  of  the  long  and  weary  way, 
Speak  at  this  sacred  hour. 

Not  of  the  pirate's  steel, 
God  of  the  traveler,  hear! 

And  from  our  parting  cup  of  love 
Wring  out  these  dregs  of  fear. 

Art  thou  a  God  at  home, 

Where  the  bright  fireside  smiles, 
And  not  abroad  upon  the  wave, 

'Mid  danger's  darkest  wiles? 

What  though  the  eyes  so  dear 

To  distant  regions  turn, 
Their  tender  language  in  our  hearts 

Like  vestal  fire  shall  burn: 

What  though  the  tones  belov'd 
Respond  not  to  our  pain, 

We'll  keep  their  music  in  the  soul 
Until  we  meet  again. 

Farewell!  we're  travelers  all, 
With  one  blest  goal  in  view, 

One  rest,  one  everlasting  home 
Sweet  friends,  a  sweet  adieu  ! 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  181 


JUNE  VIII. 

"  Peace,-l.e  still." 

MARK,  iv  :  39. 

A  STORM  upon  Judea's  lake ! 

Thunder  amid  the  hills ! 
"\Yinds  and  waves  to  warfare  wake ! 

The  ship  with  water  fills ! 
"Master!  Master!  carest  Thou  not 

That  we  perish?"    Look!  Behold! 
Clouds  no  more  the  welkin  blot, 

Baffled  are  the  surges  bold, 
For  in  energy  of  will 

He  hath  risen  from  his  sleep, 

He  hath  said  unto  the  deep, 
Peace!   Be  still 

A  tempest  in  the  soul! 

O'er  swelling  billows  tost, 
The  passions  rage  and  roll, 

Alas!  the  helm  is  lost! 
"Master!  Master!  wilt  Thou  see 

Shipwreck,  and  withhold  thy  care? 
Let  thy  foes  triumphant  be  ? 

Leave  the  erring  to  despair?" 

Lo, — His  deeds  His  word  fulfill, 

For  He  breaks  their  tyrant  sway, 

And  His  heavenly  accents  say, 
Peace!   Be  still! 


182  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE  IX. 

'  It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  than  to  put  confidence  in  man." 

PSALMS,  cxviii:  8. 

PUT  confidence  in  man, 

And  thou,  perchance,  may'st  know 
The  shelter  of  the  driven  leaf 

When  whelming  whirlwinds  blow, 
The  sympathy  that  gleams 

From  the  cold,  frosted  eye 
When  double-minded  friendship  lays 

Its  Protean  vestment  by. 

Put  confidence  in  man, 

And  thou,  perchance,  wilt  see 
The  riven  tendrils  of  the  vine 

Symbolical  of  thee, 
While  on  the  withering  buds 

That  in  thy  heart  were  bred 
The  foot  of  Love,  to  Hatred  turn'd, 

All  pitiless  shall  tread. 

Put  confidence  in  man, 

And  thou,  perchance,  shalt  feel 
How  keen  ingratitude  may  edge 

The  insidious  traitor's  steel, 
And  while  thy  spirit  shrinks 

Astonish'd  and  afraid, 
Oh !  put  thy  confidence  in  God, 

And  never  be  dismay'd. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  183 


JUNE  X. 

'  I  looked  on  my  right  hand,  and  beheld,  but  there  wns  no  man  that  would  know  me." 

PSALMS,  cxlii :  5. 

"No  man  would  know  thec!"     Why  was  this, 
King  of  the  lyre,  on  Salem's  height? 

Had  sorrow  so  thy  visage  marr'd? 

Or  changeful  friendship  dimra'd  their  sight? 

They  knew  thee  well  on  Israel's  throne, 
When  humbled  foe  and  captive  quail'd, 

But  in  thy  flight  from  rebel  power 

Their  Shimei-memories  strangely  fail'd. 

They  knew  thee  well,  in  flattery's  hour, 
And  prais'd  thee  loud  with  loyal  lips, 

But  mid  Adullam's  dreary  cave 
Their  fond  affections  found  eclipse. 

Yet  not  to  thee  alone,  oh,  king, 

Is  such  forgetfulness  confin'd 
For  still  do  ebbing  fortunes  bring 

Effaced  impressions  o'er  the  mind. 

But  thou  didst  know  what  Friend  was  thine, 
When  earth's  deceptive  props  forsook, 

And  deeply  grave  that  truth  divine, 
Our  lesson  in  thy  holy  book ; 

So,  should  it  be  our  lot  to  learn 

How  love  declines,  as  fortunes  wane, 

May  we,  like  thee,  confiding  turn 
Where  none  shall  ever  trust  in  vain. 


184  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE  XL 

"I  will  joy  in  tlie  God  of  my  salvation." 

HABAKKUK,  iii:  18. 

SALVATION  is  my  theme, 

High  praise  my  blest  employ, 

Sadness  is  treason,  in  His  realm 
Whose  spirit  calls  to  joy. 

Nature  obeys  His  voice, 

Her  fountains  freely  flow, 
The  leaping  streamlets  wake  the  flowers, 

Rejoicing  as  they  go. 

Even  insect-life  is  glad, 

Birds  spread  the  raptur'd  wing, 
The  lambkins  in  green  pastures  play, 

The  whitening  harvests  sing. 

Then  why  should  deathless  mind 

Mourn  o'er  its  earthly  span  ? 
Sorrow  and  silence  mar  the  lot 

God  meteth  out  to  man. 

Three  teachers  seek  his  love, 
Their  precepts  form  his  creed, 

Meek  Joy,  and  true  Humility 
To  heavenly  Wisdom  lead: 

And  yet  three  other  guides 

Are  to  the  pilgrim  given, 
Firm  Faith,  and  clear-eyed  Hope,  lead  on 

To  Charity,  and  Heaven. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  185 


JUNE    XII. 
"There  came  out  two  women,  and  the  wind  was  in  their  wings." 

O'ER  realms  of  Fancy  broad  and  bright, 

Where  wild  romance  held  sway, 
Like  butterflies,  'mid  countless  flowers 

They  took  their  devious  way, 
Now  high,  now  low,  disdaining  all 

Reality  of  things, 
Above  this  work -day  world  they  flew, 

"The  wind  was  in  their  wings." 

Where  glittering  tides  of  fashion  roll, 

And  gorgeous  barges  ride, 
Whose  silken  pennons  court  the  gale, 

In  revelry  and  pride, 
Where  useful  industry  is  scorn'd, 

And  syren  pleasure  sings, 
Without  a  helm  their  sails  they  spread, 

"The  wind  was  in  their  wings." 

But  Fancy  show'd  a  different  phase, 

Coquettish  in  her  mood, 
And  all  becalmed  the  barges  lay, 

On  Luxury's  ebbing  flood, 
And  Wealth  withdrew  the  golden  spoil 

To  which  its  votary  clings, 
And  those  gay  creatures  droop'd, — no  more 

"The  wind  was  in  their  wings." 

16* 


186  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

So,  since  this  life  is  not  a  farce 

Where  painted  puppets  play, 
We  fain  would  act  an  useful  part 

With  firmness,  day  by  day, 
Nor  falter  when  an  adverse  shade 

Dark  disappointment  flings, 
Even  though  the  prosperous  winds  withhold 

Their  impulse  from  our  wings. 


JUNE   XIII. 

"  Ask  now  the  beasts,  and  they  shall  teach  thee,— and  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and  they  shall 
tell  thee."  JOB,  xii :  7. 

THE  wild  bee  o'er  the  prairie 

Sought  honey  for  her  hive, 
The  stream  came  singing  from  the  rock 

As  though  it  were  alive, 

While  the  solemn  mountain  frowning 

Beheld  its  devious  way, 
And  like  a  Mentor,  old  and  stern, 

Eeproved  the  thoughtless  play. 

The  crimson  oriole  flaunted 

Like  lover  through  the  glade, 
And  paid  gay  homage  to  the  flowers 

In  beauty's  garb  array'd ; 

But  lightly  there  before  him 
The  humming-bird  would  rove, 

While  bud  and  bell  with  rapture  thrilled 
To  meet  his  kiss  of  love. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  187 

The  beetle  and  the  butterfly 

Met  on  their  glittering  track, 
The  snail  moved  onward,  slow  and  sure, 

His  house  upon  his  back; 

And  life  to  all  was  beautiful, 

As,  like  the  jeweled  ray, 
They  gleamed  in  Nature's  joyance  sweet 

On  that  bright  summer's  day. 

Oh,  frail  and  winged  creatures ! 

That  perish  in  an  hour, 
Methinks  ye  are  our  teachers, 

Mid  all  our  pomp  and  power, 

Mid  all  our  vaunt  of  learning, 

Mid  all  our  pride  of  sway, 
Be  pitiful,  and  teach  us 

Before  ye  pass  away, 

How  to  be  simply  happy 

Amid  a  world  so  fair, 
And  in  the  confidence  of  trust 

Accept  our  Father's  care. 


JUNE   XIV. 

"They  have  laid  their  swords  under  their  heads." 

EZEKIKL,  xxxii:  27. 

UXDER  their  heads  they  have  laid  their  swords, 

Who  turn'd  the  nations  pale, 
With  the  threat  and  boast  of  their  banner'd  host, 

And  their  masses  of  moving  mail, 


188  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

At  their  stern  command  mov'd  the  warrior  band, 

The  soldier  struck  his  tent, 
And  with  stifled  sigh  from  his  home  to  die 

The  youthful  conscript  went. 
They  stirr'd  the  sleep  of  the  desert  deep 

With  trumpet  and  battle-cry, 
Scattering  men's  bones  mid  the  sands  and  stones 

To  bleach  'neath  a  wintry  sky, 
The  wave  of  their  hand  was  the  law  of  the  land 

Where  their  conquering  legions  swept, 
Like  the  voice  of  a  god  was  their  tyrant  nod, 

Yet  they  slumber  in  dust,  unwept. 


Under  their  swords  they  have  laid  their  heads, 

They  shall  trouble  the  earth  no  more, 
They  rnolder  away,  like  the  coarsest  clay 

Of  the  serf  that  their  livery  wore, 
No  vine  they  bade,  with  its  clustering  shade, 

O'er  the  quiet  hillocks  spread, 
But  they  ravaged  the  plain  with  its  ripening  grain 

That  the  poor  man's  children  fed, 
They  led  the  fire  over  tower  and  spire 

And  village  in  rural  pride, 
They  drench'd  the  soil  with  the  blood  of  toil 

Till  it  shrank  from  the  loathed  tide, 
They  have  gone,  they  are  fled,  like   a  dream  they 
have  sped, 

They  have  acted  their  gorgeous  part, 
They  have  left  a  name  on  the  tomb  of  fame, 

And  a  curse  in  the  living  heart. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOE.  189 


JUNE  XV. 

"No  mnn  knoweth  of  his  sepulcher  unto  this  dny." 

DKVTERONOMY,  xxxiv  :  6. 

LAWGIVER  of  the  Hebrews ! — who  didst  stand 
On  Sinai's  summit,  face  to  face  with  God, 
And  thence  descending,  all  majestic  bear 
The  sacred  tablets,  by  His  finger  traced, 
A  glory  on  thy  brow,  that  kept  aloof 
The  awe-struck  people, — is  thy  hallow'cl  tomb 
Un visited,  unchronicled,  unknown? 
How  many  an  eye  amid  the  shaded  dells 
And  clustering  terebinths  of  Moab,  sought 
That  place  of  rest,  in  vain.     'Twas  not  for  man 
To  find  the  angel-buried. 

Age  on  age 

Swept  by  in  long  procession,  and  went  down, 
And  men  of  doubtful  name,  superbly  rcar'd 
High  towering  obelisk  and  monument 
For  their  own  sculptur'd  effigies,  but  still 
None  knoweth  of  thy  sepulcher. 

'Tis  well,— 

What  if  they  did  ?     'Twere  nothing  unto  thee, 
And  unto  them,  but  little. 

Thou  hast  left 

Thine  epitaph  in  deeds,  that  all  may  read, 
And  words  of  wisdom,  in  the  Book  Divine. 
So  teach  us,  Spirit  of  all  Grace,  to  hold 
The  casket  for  our  clay  of  small  account, 
But  bid  our  living  Memory,  clad  in  robes 
Of  truth  and  goodness,  walk  its  daily  round 
Among  mankind,  and  point  their  souls  to  Thee. 


190  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE    XVI. 

'Mountains,  whereon  grow  roses  and  lilies,  whereby  I  will  fill  thy  children  with  joy." 

SND  ESDRAS,  ii :  19. 

WHEN  thou  walkest  in  the  fields, 
Father !  with  thy  listening  son, 

Point  him  where  the  mountain's  head 
Hath  its  towering  grandeur  won, 

Where  the  lofty  groves  aspire, 

Where  the  solemn  forests  nod, 
And  upon  their  living  arch 

Raise  his  plastic  mind  to  God. 

When  thou  walkest  by  the  way, 

Mother !  with  thy  little  one, 
Where  the  sweet,  wild  roses  grow, 

Where  the  uncultured  lilies  run, 

Show  her  how  their  colors  grow, 

How  their  baby-blossoms  start, 
Till  their  fragrance  and  their  bloom 

Touch  the  rapture  of  her  heart, 

Tell  her  then,  that  He  who  spread 

All  these  beauties  in  His  love, 
Seeks  His  children  thus  to  train 

For  a  higher  bliss  above. 


DAILY    COUXSELLOK.  191 


JUNE  XVII. 

"The  Sabbath  was  mnde  for  man." 

MARK,  ii:  27. 

ASSIST  us,  Lord,  this  sacred  morn 
Which  Thou  hast  made  so  fair, 

On  wings  of  holy  thought  to  rise, 
Where  saints  and  angels  are, 

We  may  not  in  our  feeble  speech 
Describe  their  blest  employ, 

Nor  with  these  darken'd  eyes  descry 
Their  plenitude  of  joy, 

We  only  know,  in  love  they  dwell, 
In  day  that  hath  no  night, 

We  know  Thy  glory  is  their  praise, 
Thy  service  their  delight, 

And  may  we,  with  obedient  care 
So  frame  our  lives  below, 

And  so,  to  all  whom  thou  hast  made 
Such  Christian  kindness  show, 

That  as  our  earthly  Sabbaths  here 

Glide  by  on  rapid  wing, 
Each  one  may  fit  us  more  and  more, 

Amid  their  choir  to  sing. 


192  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE   XVIII. 

"Pride  gocth  befure  destruction,  and  o  hnuglity  spirit  before  a  full." 

PROVKRDS,  xvi:  18. 

PRIDE,  take  thy  fated  cup, — the  insidious  world 
Hath  drugg'd  it  for  thee,  tho'  her  brow  was  bright, 

Yea,  while  her  lip  with  promis'd  bliss  is  curl'd 
She  ofttime  mingleth  wine  with  aconite : 

Athens  of  old,  her  sentenced  victim  bade 
After  his  hemlock  draught,  to  walk  about 

Until  his  limbs  grew  weary,  and  he  made 
His  last  repose.  So  shall  thy  date  run  out ; 

But  yet  repine  not.     Thou  hast  had  thy  will. 

Life's  pomp  and  gaud,  its  tinsel  and  its  plume, 
Didst  thou  not  choose  of  these  to  take  thy  fill, 

Scorning  the  humble  who,  'mid  blight  or  bloom, 

Kept  on  their  narrow  path  by  rock  and  thorn, 
And  meekly  bow'd  the  knee  unto  the  manger-born? 


JUNE  XIX. 

"  Rejoice  evermore." 

IST  THKSSAI.ONIANS,  v:  16. 

REJOICE,  true  follower  of  our  Lord, 

If  not  in  earthly  gain, 
Requited  love,  exulting  power. 

Or  fashion's  gaudy  train, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  193 

Yet,  in  the  work  of  prayer  and  praise, 

In  faith  that  never  dies, 
The  patient,  undelusive  hope 

That  builds  above  the  skies. 

And  when  the  solemn  Angel  comes, 

That  silent,  loving  guide, 
Who  opes  the  spirit-gate  that  leads 

To  our  Redeemer's  side, 

Lay  thy  cold  hand  without  a  fear 

On  his  dark  wing,  and  soar, 
Where  saints  and  seraphs  round  the  Throne 

Eejoice  for  evermore. 


JUNE   XX. 

"Jesus  said, — Neither  do  I  condemn  thee:  go  and  sin  no  more." 

JoHN.viii:  11 

YES  !  look  to  Heaven.     Earth  scorns  to  lend 
Eefuge,  or  ray  thy  steps  to  guide ; 

Bids  pity  with  suspicion  blend, 

And  slander  check  compassion's  tide. 

We  will  not  ask,  what  thorn  hath  found 

Admittance  to  thy  bosom  fair, 
If  love  hath  dealt  a  traitor's  wound, 

Or  hopeless  folly  woke  despair : 


194  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

"We  only  say,  that  sinless  clime, 
To  which  is  raised  thy  timid  eye, 

Hath  pardon  for  the  deepest  crime, 
Though  erring  man  that  doom  deny : 

"We  only  say,  the  prayerful  breast, 
The  gushing  tear  of  contrite  pain, 

Have  power  to  ope  that  portal  blest, 
Where  vaunting  pride  must  toil  in  vain. 


JUNE   XXI. 

"The  shadow  of  a  great  rock  in  a  weary  land." 

ISAIAH,  xxxii :  2. 

HIGH  noon  at  summer,  and  the  solstice  burns 

Unmitigated,  with  a  tropic  heat, 
To  curtain'd  nest  the  songless  warbler  turns, 

The  pastured  herds  to  shrinking  brooks  retreat, 

The  parch'd  earth  cracks,  the  red-brow'd  farmer  throws 
His  hoe  upon  the  corn-hills  where  he  wrought, 

And  'neath  the  elm  tree  seeks  an  hour's  repose 

Or  from  his  canteen  quaffs  the  home-brew'd  draught. 

But  thou,  oh  thirsting  heart  of  man,  still  flying 

To  broken  cisterns  for  relief  unfound, 
Yet  on  the  flattery  of  the  world  relying 

That  with  its  spear-point  aims  a  deadly  wound, 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  195 

Hide  in  the  shadow  of  that  Rock  of  trust, 

Jehovah's  Name ! — which  stands  when  all  beside  is  dust. 


JUNE   XXII. 

"  They  weave  the  spider's  web." 

ISAIAH,  lix:  5. 

THEY  toil  by  day,  they  toil  by  night, 
Stay  not  for  weariness  or  storm, 

And  from  their  vital  being  draw 

The  filmy  threads  their  web  that  form, 

They  cast  it  wide  from  spray  to  spray, 
On  spoil  intent,  to  wisdom  blind, 

And  sacrifice  for  glittering  store 
The  welfare  of  the  immortal  mind. 

But  sudden,  as  a  touch  destroys 

The  spider's  web,  enwrought  with  care, 

And  leaves  its  tapestry  to  float 
In  shapeless  tatters  on  the  air, 

So  shall  their  hope,  who  build  on  earth, 
And  fear  not  God,  like  visions  fly 

When  fortune  waves  her  fickle  wand 
Or  death  each  work  of  man  shall  try. 

Oh  grant  us  grace,  our  God  and  King, 
Not  on  the  spider's  web  to  trust, 

But  rear  the  columns  of  our  faith 

Above  this  realm  of  change  and  dust. 


196  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE  XXIII. 

"  They  thirsted  not,  when  he  led  then)  through  the  desert." 

ISAIAH,  xlviii :  21. 

WHEX  wandering  long,  'mid  lone  and  parching  sands 
The  tribes  of  Israel  took  their  exil'd  way, 

Whence  found  they  water  for  their  numerous  bands, 
Their  thirst  to  slake,  their  fainting  life  to  stay  ? 

For  them  He  clave  the  rock,  He  burst  the  cloud, 
Bade  guards  of  angels  shield  their  peril'd  lot, 

Even  though  to  other  gods  the  knee  they  bow'd, 
And  oft  their  debt  of  gratitude  forgot. 

There  are,  who  on  this  pilgrimage  of  time 
Where  arid  wastes  in  long  succession  lie, 

Keep  ever  in  their  souls  the  silver  chime 
Of  a  fresh  fountain's  gushing  melody : 

That  fountain  is  of  God,  it  can  not  fail, 
But  cheers  their  heavenward  course,  through  all  life's 
desert  vale. 


JUNE  XXIV. 

'•Until  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows  flee  away." 

SONO  OF  SOLOMON,  iv:  6. 

WE  have  laid  thee  down,  our  darling,  on  pillow  dark  and 

cold, 
And  Winter  in  his  frosty  shroud  thy  cherish'd  form  must 

fold, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  197 

But  Spring  shall  haste  with  fairy  foot  the  broken  turf  to 

tread 
And  bid  her  earliest  violets  weave  their  broidery  round  thy 

bed, 
Glad  Summer  shall  remember  thee  with  all  her  wealth  of 

bloom, 
And  Autumn  strew  his  berries  red  around  thy  vine-clad 

tomb, 
So  here,   while  Nature's    richest    gifts  adorn  thy  burial 

clay, 
Wait,  dearest,  till  the  day  shall  break  and  the  shadows 

flee  away. 

Tis    lonely  here,    my  precious    one,    tho'    many  dwell 

around, 
In  costly  cells  of  marble  white,  or  cloistered  neath  the 

ground, 

Yet  none  unseal  the  stony  eye,  none  heave  the  rigid  breast, 
Or  stretch  the  icy  hand  to  greet  the  coming  of  a  guest ; 
But  the  archangel's  trumpet-cry  shall  raise  that  slumbering 

throng, 
And  from  their  beds  the  saints  arise,  to  swell  salvation's 

song, 

So,  in  the  firm  and  glorious  hope  of  that  rejoicing  day, 
Rest  peaceful,  till  the  morn  shall  break  and  the  shadows 

flee  away. 

17* 


198  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JUNE  XXV. 

"  Loving  favor,  rather  than  silver  and  gold." 

PROVERBS,  xxii:  1. 

TAKE  back  your  gold,  and  give  me  love, 

The  earnest  smile, 
The  heart- voice  that  can  conquer  pain, 

And  care  beguile. 

Take  back  your  silver,  -whence  it  came, 

It  leads  to  strife ; 
A  woman's  nature  feeds  on  love, 

Love  is  its  life. 

Take  back  your  silver,  and  your  gold, 

Their  gain  is  loss; 
But  bring  me  love,  for  love  is  heaven, 

And  they  are  dross. 


JUNE  XXVI. 

'  The  emptiers  have  emptied  them  out,  and  marred  their  vine-branches." 

NAHPM,  ii:  2. 

A  CHILD  was  wildly  weeping 

While  rosy  morning  sped, 
She  came  to  feed  her  cherished  bird, 

That  cherished  bird  was  dead. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  199 

Yes,  there  it  lay  recumbent, 

Shut  eye  and  open  beak, 
In  vain  she  smoothed  its  ruffled  plumes, 

And  pressed  them  to  her  cheek. 

Alas,  poor  sobbing  mourner, 

Slight  cause  to  us  it  seems 
For  such  a  whelming  grief  to  flow 

In  agonizing  streams, 

Yet  as  we  journey  onward, 

With  added  strength  to  bear 
The  withering  of  the  gourds  that  cheer 

Our  pilgrimage  of  care, 

Oft  from  our  walls  suspended, 

And  bathed  in  sorrow's  tide, 
Is  counted  many  an  empty  cage 

Where  our  hearts'  birdlings  died. 


JUNE  XXVII. 

"The  Lord  weigheth  the  spirits." 

PROVERBS,  xvi :  2. 

MAN  weigheth  gold, — each  fragment  slight, 
Each  atom  of  its  glittering  dust, 

He,  in  the  well-pois'd  balance  lays, 
And  marks  with  unforgetful  trust. 


200  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Man  weigheth  words, — the  fleeting  breath. 

That's  coin'd  within  this  mortal  frame, 
May  waken  anger  unto  death, 

Or  kindle  love's  exulting  flame. 

God  weigheth  spirits.     Oh !  beware, 
Ye  who  in  guile  your  sins  enshroud, 

There  is  a  Hand  ye  can  not  scape, 
A  sun-ray  rends  the  thickest  cloud; 

And  when  the  gold  the  rust  shall  eat, 
The  tongue  be  silent  in  the  tomb. 

The  motives  of  the  secret  soul 
Give  verdict  in  the  day  of  doom. 


JUNE   XXVIII. 

"  The  root  of  the  righteous  shull  not  be  moved." 

PROVERBS,  xii :  3. 

A  TEMPEST  'mid  the  grove! 

Wild  are  the  sounds  of  woe, 
The  kingly  tree  that  tower'd  so  long, 
Is  crush'd  amid  the  noteless  throng, 

The  crown  of  power  lies  low. 

Out  bursts  the  raging  flame! 

In  whirling  eddies  toss'd, 
From  costly  roof  to  roof  it  springs, 
Distruction  on  its  reddening  wings, 

The  pride  of  wealth  is  lost. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  201 

Wide  o'er  the  sea  of  time 

Floats  on  the  blast  of  fame, 
In  dust,  the  shatter'd  column  shines, 
And  lo!  the  pyramid  declines 

To  tell  its  founder's  name. 

There's  peril  in  the  earth, 

There's  peril  on  the  wave, 
But  he,  who  hath  his  root  in  truth, 
And  heavenward  turns  thro'  age  and  youth, 

A  God  of  truth  shall  save. 


JUNE  XXIX. 

"Tears  are  on  her  cheeks." 

LAMENTATIONS,  i :  2. 

WHEN  infant  innocence  is  grieved, 
And  hath  not  power  to  say, 

In  words,  the  import  of  its  pain, 
What  giveth  utterance  way  ? 

When  tides  of  unexpected  joy 
Like  mountain  billows  came, 

What  tells  the  rapture  of  the  heart, 
Though  speech  itself  is  dumb  ? 

When  pent  within  a  secret  cell 

The  agony  of  grief, 
Upheaving,  threats  the  springs  of  life, 

What  lends  the  soul  relief? 


202  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

When  Folly  to  Contrition  turns 
And  seeks  a  Saviour's  love, 

"What  flows- in  crystal  from  the  eye, 
Awakening  lyres  above? 

'Twas  Mercy's  Angel  gave  the  boon 
To  pilgrim  wanderers  here, 

And  when  she  shed  it  o'er  their  brow 
Call'd  the  pure  gem, — a  tear. 


JUNE   XXX. 

'This  is  the  rest,  wherewith  ye  may  cause  the  weary  to  rest,  and  this  is  the  refreshing.' 


i:  12. 


WHERE  is  the  rest,  my  Lord? 
Where  the  refreshing,  in  this  wilderness? 
Toils  press,  cares  cluster,  disappointments  vex, 
Tried  Friendship  cheats  our  trust,  Love  fleets  away, 
Cold  or  forgetful,  and  pale  Memory  strives 
To  hide  her  tear-wet  scroll. 

Famish'd  and  faint, 

Apples  of  Sodom  mock  our  eager  taste, 
The  parching  sands  are  hot  beneath  our  feet, 
The  fountains  fail, 

Where  is  the  rest,  my  Lord? 


Then  answer'd  He  who  sigh'd  at  Nazareth, 
Stretching  his  pierced  hands, — "Come  unto  me, 
And  I  will  give  you  rest." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  205 


JULY  I. 

"The  beginning  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ." 

MARK,  i :  1. 

GOOD  news  to  all,  of  every  clime, 

Good  news  of  wealth  untold, 
Of  gems  Golconda's  mine  that  shame, 
The  diamond  and  the  ruby's  flame, 

The  crystal  and  the  gold. 

Good  news !  Glad  tidings !  so  the  strain 

In  Heaven's  own  descant  ran 
When  angel  throngs  announced  His  birth, 
Who  brought  the  Gospel  down  to  earth 

A  gift  to  fallen  man. 

Lo !  its  beginning  is  with  life 

That  in  the  cradle  lies, 
With  the  baptismal  dew  that  falls, 
With  the  sweet  Mother,  when  she  calls 

Her  nursling  to  the  skies. 

Its  alphabet  is  holy  fear, 

Pure  love,  without  alloy, 
Its  finished  lore  is  at  His  feet, 
Where  all  his  true  disciples  meet 

To  share  their  Master's  joy. 

18 


206  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY   II. 

"The  damsel  is  not  dead." 

MARK,  v :  39. 

THERE'S  mourning  'neath  the  Ruler's  dome, 

His  little  daughter  dies, 
Twelve  years  the  sunbeam  of  his  home, 

Shrouded,  and  cold  she  lies, 

In  her  white  hand  a  broken  bud, 

Her  brow,  bright  tresses  veil, 
While  o'er  her  snowy  couch  is  strew'd 

Judea's  lily  pale. 

Who  entereth  where  the  weepers  moan, 

With  such  a  godlike  tread? 
Who  uttereth  in  that  wondrous  tone, 

"The  damsel  is  not  dead?" 

Not  dead  !    Even  in  that  house  of  woe 

Contemptuous  doubt  is  born, 
And  hissing  laughter  eddies  low, 

In  pharisaic  scorn. 

"Talitha  cumi!" — up  she  rose, 

To  Christ,  her  hand  she  gives, 
On  her  pure  cheek,  rich  crimson  glows, 

Ruler !  thy  daughter  lives. 

There  is  no  death,  0  Saviour  dear! 

To  those  who  trust  Thy  name, 
Only  a  passport  to  that  sphere 

From  whence  Thy  glories  came; 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  207 

'Tis  true,  they  vanish  from  our  sight, 

They  yield  this  mortal  breath, 
And  find  among  the  sons  of  light, 

Transition,  but  not  death. 


JULY  III. 

'Who  giveth  food  to  all  flesh:  for  His  mercy  endureth  forever." 

PSALMS,  cxxxvi:  25. 

GOD  giveth  to  the  helpless  babe, 

The  Mother's  nurturing  care, 
And  still  the  man  in  strength  unbow'd, 
The  warrior  stern,  the  Monarch  proud, 

To  Him,  for  food  repair. 

The  Camel,  on  the  desert  sands, 

The  herd,  to  pastures  led, 
The  Lion,  roaming  o'er  the  wold, 
The  Lamb,  that  strayeth  from  the  fold, 

Are  by  His  bounty  fed. 

The  wandering  denizens  of  air, 

The  Raven's  clamorous  brood, 
The  Eagle,  high  in  wind-rock'd  bower, 
The  moping  Owl,  in  ruin'd  tower, 

From  Him  receive  their  food. 

The  Whale,  that  like  an  island  spreads 

Amid  the  seething  main, 
And  all  the  nameless  tribes  that  keep 
Their  mystic  chambers  in  the  deep 

Seek  not  to  Him  in  vain. 


208  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  insects  on  their  gauzy  wing, 

The  Ephemeron  in  its  lot, 
The  Beetle  on  its  droning  course, 
The  Cricket,  with  its  chirpings  hoarse, 
Are  not  by  Him  forgot. 

Yea,  even  the  groveling  reptile  race 

That  crawl  to  secret  lair, 
In  Nature's  ample  storehouse  find 
A  sustenance  for  them  design'd, 

By  His  unslumbering  care. 

Throughout  this  wide  and  teeming  earth, 

In  mountain,  vale,  or  grove, 
Thro'  ocean-depths,  'neath  forest-shade, 
He  feedeth  all  His  hand  hath  made, 
How  boundless  is  His  love. 


JULY  IY. 

"  A  Land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  careth  for." 

DBUTKRONOMY,  xi :  12. 

OH  beautiful  and  glorious !     Thou  dost  wrap 
The  robe  of  liberty  around  thy  breast, 
And  as  a  matron  watch  thy  little  ones 
Who  from  their  cradle  seek  the  village  school, 
Bearing  the  baptism  on  their  infant  brow 
Of  Christian  faith,  and  knowledge,  like  the  bud 
That  at  the  bursting  of  its  sheath,  inhales 
Heaven's  dew,  and  thither  turns. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  209 

There  is  thy  strength, 

In  thy  young  children  and  in  those  who  lead 
Their  souls  to  righteousness.     The  mother's  prayer, 
With  her  sweet  lisper  ere  it  goes  to  rest, 
The  faithful  teacher  'mid  a  plastic  group, 
The  classic  halls,  the  hamlet's  slender  spire; 
From  whence,  as  from  the  solemn,  gothic  fane 
That  crowns  the  city's  pomp,  ascendeth  sweet 
Jehovah's  praise, — these  are  thy  strength,  my  Land! 
These  thy  true  glory. 


JULY  Y. 

"  Open  thine  hand  wide,  unto  thy  poor  brother." 

DEUTERONOMY, zv :  1 

On  red-brow'd  Brother !  mark'd  by  woe, 
Still  roaming  with  the  hunter-bow 

Thy  little  ones  to  feed, 
In  prairie  wide,  or  forest  bare 
We  pitying  mark  thy  lot  of  care, 
And  gifts  with  willing  hand  would  bear 

To  help  thine  hour  of  need : 

We  see  thee  launch  thy  bark  canoe, 
O'er  streams  that  first  thy  father's  knew, 

Of  old,  the  rulers  here, 
But  mournful  is  thy  downcast  eye, 
Oh,  red-brow'd  brother  look  on  high, 
And  through  the  clouds  that  veil  thy  sky, 

Turn  to  our  Saviour  dear. 

18* 


210  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY    VI. 

"To  every  thing  there  is  a  «eason." 

ECCLKSIASTES,  iii : 

I  SAW  a  rosy  maiden, 

At  dawn  of  vernal  day, 
Who  sang  "how  beautiful  is  life! " 

And  so  she  went  her  way. 

I  saw  a  thoughtful  matron, 
Her  children  round  her  knee, 

"  This  life  of  tender  care  is  sweet," 
She  meekly  said  to  me. 

I  saw  an  aged  woman, 

Her  hair  was  silvery  white, 

"I  see  a  better  life  than  this," 
And  vanished  from  our  sight. 

The  maid,  the  mother,  and  the  eld, 
Though  all  unlike  to  see, 

Were  the  same  pilgrim,  pressing  on 
To  reach  Eternity: 

And  in  her  secret  heart  was  hid 

A  germ  of  holy  love, 
That  gave  to  every  passing  hour 

A  beauty  from  above. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOK.  211 


JULY    VII. 

Joast  not  thyself  of  to-morrow,  for  thou  knowest  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth." 

PROVERBS,  xxvii:  1. 

LIVE  well  to-day,  a  spirit  cries 
To-day  be  just,  today  be  wise ; 
Does  any  loitering  idler  tell 
Another  day  will  do  as  well? 

"Now  is  the  time,  the  accepted  time," 
Speaks  audibly  a  page  sublime, 
Another  creed  is  heard  to  say 
Wait  till  a  more  convenient  day. 

Ask  of  the  Eoman,  pale  with  fear 
While  judgment  thundered  in  his  ear 
Who  to  the  warning  voice  would  say 
"I'll  hear  thee  on  a  future  day," 
Ask  him  if  time  confirmed  the  claim 
Or  that  good  season  ever  came. 

Ask  of  the  stream,  or  torrent  hoarse, 
To  linger  in  their  wonted  course, 
Ask  of  the  bird  to  stay  its  flight, 
Bid  the  pale  moon  prolong  the  night, 
And  listen  to  their  answering  tone 
A  future  day  is  not  our  own. 

And  is  it  thine  ?     Eepel  the  cheat, 
Resist  the  smooth,  the  dire  deceit, 
Lest  while  thou  dreamst  of  long  delay 
Thine  hour  of  action  pass  away, 
Thy  prospects  fade,  thy  joys  be  o'er, 
Thy  time  of  hope  return  no  more. 


212  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY    VIII. 

"  Corban." 


A  GIFT  unto  thy  God  ! 

A  gift!—  what  shall  it  be? 
What  canst  thou  render  to  the  Power 

Who  giveth  all  to  thee? 

Yield  Him  thy  hands,  to  work 
With  zeal  and  patience  meek, 

Thy  feet,  to  walk  His  righteous  ways, 
Thy  tongue,  His  words  to  speak, 

Thy  wealth,  His  cause  to  aid, 
Thy  friends,  when  He  shall  call, 

Thy  will,  to  be  transform'd  to  His, 
Thy  heart,  thy  soul,  thine  all. 

Offer  without  delay 

Whate'er  thou  hast  to  bring, 
So  soon  thyself  to  pass  away 

On  time's  returnless  wing; 

For  these  brief  gifts  of  thine, 

This  life  that  fleets  away, 
With  an  eternity  of  bliss 

He  can  at  last  repay. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  213 


JULY  IX. 

'  He  went  to  Pilate,  and  begged  the  body  of  Jesus,  and  laid  it  in  his  own  new  tomb.' 

MATTHEW,  xxvii :  58, 

HE  slept  within  another's  tomb, 
He,  whom  astonished  angels  saw 

From  Heaven's  high  majesty  descend, 
And  bow  to  take  a  mortal  law. 

Another's  tomb!  Oh  restless  Pride, 

That  on  through  life  man's  heart  doth  stir, 

Canst  thou  no  humbling  lesson  learn 
At  Joseph's  rock-hewn  sepulcher? 

For  what  avails  thy  restless  search, 
Thy  watchful  care  from  sun  to  sun, 

Thy  pomp  of  epitaph  and  arch, 
Save  but  to  see  thyself  outdone? 

Turn  where  the  Turk  his  cypress  rears, 
To  Pere  la  Chaise,  with  garlands  strown, 

And  each  Necropolis  shall  boast 

Some  monument  to  shame  thine  own, 

Some  column  of  a  loftier  height^ 

Some  architrave  of  bolder  art, 
Some  sculptur'd  form  of  living  grace, 

To  speak  more  strongly  to  the  heart 

Man  bargaineth  for  so  much  bronze, 
For  so  much  marble  o'er  his  head, 

Eegardless  of  the  deeds  that  keep 
His  memory  from  oblivion's  dead, 


214:  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

What  if  his  noteless  clay  should  rest 
Unchronicled  in  stranger-ground, 

Or  'neath  the  heavy  ocean  sleep 

Till  the  last  Angel's  trump  shall  sound? 

Let  atom  unto  atom  fleet, 

On  blast,  or  stream,  or  riven  sod, 

The  record  of  the  life  alone 

Hath  power  or  permanence  with  God. 

So  render  back  thy  dust  to  dust, 
Ashes  to  ashes,  dew'd  with  prayer; 

Restore  each  element  its  part, 

The  earth,  the  water,  and  the  air; 

To  each  its  own.     The  soul  to  God! 

Be  wise  for  that  which  can  not  die, 
And  by  a  stainless  life  engrave 

Fit  tablet  for  Eternity. 


JULY  X. 

"  Thy  Word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet." 

PSALMS,  cxix :  105. 

THE  story  of  the  sky 

The  story  of  the  earth 
The  story  of  the  wondrous  soul 

And  its  immortal  birth, 

The  story  of  His  love 

Who  to  redeem  it  came, 
The  story  of  His  lowly  life 

His  cross  of  pain  and  shame, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  215 

And  of  the  conquered  Grave, 

The  Spoiler's  broken  sting, 
The  saints  that  with  the  angel-host 

The  song  of  glory  sing, 

The  story  of  the  way 

That  leads  to  worlds  on  high, 
Is  in  this  Holy  Book^of  God, 

Oh !  guide  me  till  I  die. 


JULY  XI. 

"  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  return  to  me." 

2.ND  SAMUKL,  sii :  23. 

THE  beautiful,  the  gone-before ! 

Whose  infancy  of  love 
Came  like  a  messenger  from  God, 

To  lead  our  thoughts  above; 
Whose  tiny  hand  made  burdens  light, 

Whose  smile  extinguished  care, 
The  pressure  of  whose  velvet  lip 

Made  ray  less  midnight  fair. 

The  beautiful,  the  gone-before! 

Who  woke  love's  deathless  flame, 
The  echo  of  whose  step  could  make 

All  other  music  tame ; 


216  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Upon  whose  youthful  arm  we  lean'd, 
(  Forgive  us,  Lord,)  with  pride, 

Into  whose  eye  we  look'd  for  joy, 
If  all  was  dark  beside. 

The  gone-before,  the  beautiful ! 

We  must  not  wildly  sigh, 
Although  the  life-blood  of  the  soul 

Is  oozing  through  the  eye, 
But  take  heaven's  discipline  in  love, 

And  meekly  bow  the  head, 
Even  tho'  the  hearth  and  heart  are  lone, 

And  earthly  hope  be  dead. 

The  gone-before,  the  beautiful ! 

List !  List !  their  words  we  hear ; 
"  Waste  not  your  time  for  us  to  mourn, 

Whose  meeting  is  so  near, 
Even  now,  the  rustling  of  our  wings, 

Doth  swell  the  zephyr's  voice, 
Upon  our  glittering  robes  ye  tread, 

Look  upward  and  rejoice." 


JULY  XII. 

"Rob  not  the  poor." 

PROVERBS,  xxii :  22. 

OF  the  fullness  of  thy  hoard, 
Of  the  surplus  of  thy  board, 
Of  the  garments  warm  and  fair 
Which  the  fretting  moth  might  tear, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  217 

More  than  these,  of  alms  that  be 
Self-denial  unto  thee, 

Rob  not  the  poor. 

Of  the  sympathies,  whose  power 
Gird  the  soul  in  sorrow's  hour, 
Arm  with  energy  to  bear 
Pallid  sickness,  pining  care, 
Such  as  lift  the  downcast  eye, 
Such  as  gold  can  never  buy, 

Rob  not  the  poor. 

Of  those  kindly  words  that  cheer 
Sinking  heart,  or  deafen'd  ear, 
Of  the  radiant  smiles  that  throw 
Sunlight  o'er  the  path  of  woe, 
Thou,  whose  feet  would  faithful  tread 
Where  the  pitying  Saviour  led, 

Rob  not  the  poor. 


JULY  XIII. 

"  And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to  Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting 
joy  upon  their  heads."  ISAIAH,  xxxv:  10. 

THERE  is  a  joy  that  lights  the  eye 

When  beauty,  youth,  and  strength  are  past, 

When  all  our  earthly  pleasures  fly, 
Like  leaves  before  the  wintry  blast. 

19  J 


218  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

There  is  a  joy  that  checks  the  throng 
Of  rankling  care,  and  sorrow's  shock, 

That  strikes  its  anchor  deep  and  strong 
In  Heaven's  imperishable  rock. 

Grant  me  this  joy,  and  when  my  soul 
Her  farewell  to  the  world  shall  sigh, 

Though  unknown  seas  beneath  me  roll, 
And  lift  their  deathful  billows  high, 

Then  when  my  frail  and  fainting  sight 
To  this  receding  world  is  dim, 

The  luster  of  my  Saviour's  light 

Shall  brightly  mark  my  way  to  Him. 


JULY  XIV. 

"  And  every  man  went  unto  his  own  house." 

JOHN,  vii:53. 

THE  king  unto  his  palace  proud 

Eeturneth  from  the  throne, 
The  noble  to  his  castle  hoar, 
The  peasant  to  his  cottage  door, 

The  monk  to  cloister  lone. 

The  soldier  hasteth  to  his  camp, 

The  sailor  dares  the  deeps, 
The  traveler  spreads  his  tent  at  night 
That  flecks  the  forest  green  with  white, 

And  'neath  its  shelter  sleeps. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  219 

The  Greenland  hunter  scoops  a  cell 

Beneath  incumbent  snows, 
The  son  of  Afric  to  his  kraal, 
The  Indian  to  his  wigwam  frail 

"With  cane-like  roof-tree  goes. 

The  eagle  knows  his  eyried  cliff, 

The  lion  loves  his  lair, 
The  beaver  builds  his  lodge  of  rest, 
Foxes  have  holes,  and  birds  their  nest, 

Where  dwell  the  houseless  ?    Where  ? 

There  is  a  mansion  free  to  all, 

Whence  none  are  turned  away, 
Even  those  who  ne'er  had  home  before, 
Are  welcome  through  its  unlock'd  door 

To  enter  in,  and  stay. 

No  fee  of  gold  the  lodgers  pay, 

In  that  sequester'd  bower ; 
But  "  dust  to  dust,"  on  forehead  white, 
Doth  give  each  applicant  the  right 

Of  mastership  and  power. 

No  gorgeous  robes  the  inmates  wear, 

No  paintings  deck  the  wall, 
It  hath  no  revelry  by  night, 
No  casement  fair  with  taper'd  light, 
No  downy  couch,  or  hearth-stone  bright, 

Yet,  'tis  the  home  for  all. 


220  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY  XY. 

"  Speak  not  evil." 

JAMES,  ir:  11. 

SPEAK  well  of  all:  'twill  be  a  medicine 
Unto  thine  own  frail  heart 

Think  well  of  all: 

Nor  let  thy  friendship  at  the  foibles  start 
That  appertain  to  our  humanity, 
True  Love  hath  in  itself  the  principle 
Of  patience  unto  death. 

Be  pitiful 

Unto  the  fallen,  nor  bid  the  scourging  tongue 
Lay  bare  thy  neighbor's  faults,  that  shrinking  bide 
In  secresy, — perchance,  with  penitence. 
Speak  lenient  words,  and  soften  righteous  blame: 
So,  on  thy  soul  shall  dwell  no  slander-spot 
When  it  goes  forth  to  judgment. 


JULY  XVI. 

"  So  Tibni  died,  and  Omri  reigned." 

IST  KINUS,  xvi :  22. 

THE  high-toned  boy  rebell'd  at  rule, 
And  wildly  wish'd  at  home  and  school 
For  that  good  time,  so  grand  and  free, 
When  he  should  his  own  master  be. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  221 

The  years  roll'd  on,  lie  struck  his  tent, 
And  forth  to  seek  his  fortune  went; 
But  piercing  thorns  his  way  enclos'd, 
And  iron  tasks  the  world  imposed, 
"With  tireless  toil  his  sinews  tried, 
And  oft  the  just  reward  denied, 
Till  he  in  bitterness  exclaimed, 
Though  Tibni  died,  yet  Omri  reign'd. 

By  pleasure's  wiles  the  youth  was  led, 
And  health  declined,  and  honor  fled, 
Till  in  the  frenzy  of  despair, 
He  rose  and  broke  the  syren's  snare. 
But  next,  with  nature  sear'd  and  cold, 
His  manhood  bow'd  to  lust  of  gold, 
While  sleepless  care  and  fraudful  art 
Wore  out  in  spots  the  wearied  heart, 
Still  trampling  down  with  madness  blind 
All  generous  feeling  for  his  kind ; 
At  each  career  was  Conscience  pain'd, 
If  Tibni  died,  or  Omri  reign'd. 

So  when  we  quell  with  contrite  woe 
Some  sin  that  kept  our  spirits  low, 
Permit  us  not,  Oh  God  of  grace, 
To  take  another  in  its  place, 
And,  changing  but  the  idol's  name, 
Still  yield  to  vanity  and  shame, 
Even  like  the  land  that  swept  away 
In  fields  of  blood,  a  tyrant's  sway, 
Yet  took,  by  maddening  folly  led, 
Another  despot  in  his  stead, 
Nor  wisdom  from  its  sorrows  gain'd 
For  Tibni  died,  but  Omri  reign 'd. 

19* 


222  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY  XVII. 

"All  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  the  glory  of  them." 

MATTHEW,  iv:  £ 

WHAT  was  that  glory?  smoke  and  flame, 

A  meteor  lost  in  air, 
Dark  pyramids,  without  a  name, 

Old  thrones  without  an  heir, 

The  echo  of  a  warring  host, 

A  nation's  triumph -cry, 
Through  the  long  corridors  of  time 

Lost,  like  an  infant's  sigh, 

Proud  tombs,  whose  undecypher'd  scroll 

No  hoary  legend  kept, 
Are  these  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth, 

O'er  which  Ambition  wept? 

But  He,  who  spread  their  specious  wile 

Before  the  pure  in  heart, 
Promis'd  what  was  not  his  to  give, 

With  base  deceiver's  art ; 

And  should  he  linger  near  us  still, 

For  who  may  dare  to  say, 
How  strong  he  is,  how  frail  are  we, 

Poor  habitants  of  clay, 

Yes,  should  he  test  us  one  by  one, 
Here,  in  our  household  sphere, 

As  erst  for  forty  days  and  nights, 
He  tried  our  Master  dear, 


DAILT    COUNSELLOR.  223 

Oh,  Tempter,  hence!  from  mountain  high, 

From  fair,  forbidden  tree, 
And  from  the  temple's  pinnacle, 

Go  hence,  and  leave  us  free. 


JULY  XVIII. 

'  In  the  morning  will  I  direct  my  prayer  unto  Thee,  and  will  look  up." 

PSALMS,  v :  3. 

BEFORE  the  portal  of  the  east 

Its  golden  glory  takes, 
Before  the  voice  of  slumbering  man 

Its  varied  echo  makes, 

Before  the  lily  of  the  field 

Unseals  its  cradled  eye 
Before  the  pinions  of  the  lark 

Unfold  in  melody, 

My  heart  awaking,  turns  to  Him 

In  whom  is  all  her  trust, 
Who  breath'd  this  mystic  power  of  thought 

Into  a  frame  of  dust: 

Oh!  at  this  sweetly  sacred  hour, 

From  earth's  intrusion  free, 
Smile,  Lord!  upon  the  waiting  soul 

And  draw  her  near  to  Thee. 


224  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY  XIX. 

"An  angel  went  down,  at  a  certain  season  into  the  pool,  and  troubled  the  waters." 

JOHN.V:  4. 

FULL  flow'd  Bethesda's  mantling  pool, 
While  forth  from  hall  and  bower, 

Throng'd  the  sad  trains  of  wan  disease, 
To  test  its  healing  power ; 

Yet  wrapp'd  in  deep  repose  it  lay, 

Tho'  many  an  earnest  eye 
For  its  first  infant  ripple  watch'd 

With  pain's  impatient  sigh. 

What  moves  it?     Man  of  science,  say! 

When  not  a  zephyr  strays; 
Astrologer !  what  planet  meets 

Thy  searching,  skeptic  gaze? 

The  Angel  of  the  Waters,  see! 

Enrobed  in  might  and  love, 
Who  o'er  Bethesda's  bosom  bids 

The  healing  spirit  move. 

Oh !  if  the  fever  of  the  soul, 

The  palsy  of  the  brain, 
Should  smite  us,  Father !  till  we  find 

All  earthly  helpers  vain, 

Send  forth  thy  Gospel's  blessed  stream, 

That  holy  health  can  give, 
And  bid  thine  Angel  stir  the  wave, 

That  we  may  bathe  and  live. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  225 


JULY  XX. 

"  A«  n  child  that  is  weaned." 

PSALMS,  cxxxi:  2. 

I  HAVE  had  delight  in  toys, 
Childish  pastimes,  youthful  joys, 
Chasing  meteors  o'er  the  lea 
Seeking  pearls  in  pleasure's  sea, 
Dancing  when  the  harp-strings  thrill'd, 
Singing  as  a  glad  heart  will'd, 
Building  castles  in  the  air, 
Grasping  love,  and  finding  care, 
Hoarding  treasures  here  and  there 
Treasures  pleasant  to  the  sight, 
Flowers  and  fruits,  and  jewels  bright. 

What  are  they?  or  what  am  I, 
That  I  should  repine  or  sigh, 
If  God  take  them  all  away? 
What  am  I,  or  what  are  they? 
Fleeting  bubbles,  fragile  clay. 

Weaned  babe,  on  mother's  knee, 
Can'st  not  thou,  our  teacher  be? 
Saying,  in  thy  meek  repose 
Though  thy  lips  no  language  knows, 
Soul-subdued,  with  smile  benign, 
"Not  my  will  be  done,  but  thine." 


226  DAILY    COUNSELLOE. 


JULY  XXI. 

"In  the  world,  ye  ilmll  have  tribulation,  but  be  of  good  cheer." 

JOHN,  xvi:  33. 

MUST  there  be  shade-spots  in  our  pilgrimage  ? 
Our  Father  wills  it  so.     The  piercing  thorn 
Lurks  in  the  rose-cups  which  we  cull  and -wear 
Next  to  our  heart.     What  matters  it?     The  pang, 
The  cloud  are  transient ;  but  the  hope  that  springs 
From  their  stern  ministry,  the  faith  that  looks 
O'er  these  dim  skies,  gives  treasures  that  the  world 
Can  never  take  away.     Our  Saviour  knew 
Its  whole  of  tribulation.     Said  he  not 
That  in  the  meekness  of  the  heaven-arm'd  breast, 
Was  power  to  overcome? 

The  shallow  rills 

Fed  by  the  dew-drops  of  terrestrial  good 
Must  shrink  and  vanish.     Thou  thyself  dost  fleet 
As  the  light  shadow.     Other  hands  shall  pluck 
Thy  cherish'd  flowrets,  and  a  race  unknown 
Reap  the  ripe  fruits  of  all  thy  sleepless  toil, 
And  thank  thee  not.     Another,  at  thy  board 
Shall  be  installed,  and  by  thy  winter  hearth 
A  stranger  sit,  while  thou  no  more  shalt  claim 
Note  or  remembrance.     Shall  this  mushroom  life 
Wake  tears  of  bitterness? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  227 

Go  ask  of  God 

To  shield  thy  heart,  even  as  the  stripling  youth, 
Who,  with  the  simplest  weapons  of  the  brook, 
The  vaunting  giant  slew.     Be  thy  step  firm, 
And  thy  demeanor  like  some  angel  guest, 
Patient  of  earth,  yet  for  high  heaven  prepar'd. 


JULY  XXII. 

"  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory."  2ND  CORINTHIANS,  iv:  17. 

THERE'S  mourning  'mid  the  boughs, 

High  in  the  forest  fair, 
The  widow'd  linnet  wails  her  spouse, 

Caught  in  the  fowler's  snare, 
While  the  forsaken  nest 

Laments  with  shriller  woe, 
The  mother  robin's  brooding  breast 

Pierced  by  the  archer's  bow. 

There's  mourning  in  the  floods, 

For  what  the  barbed  hook, 
And  the  wide-spread,  unpitying  net, 

In  tyrant  anger  took, 
And  for  the  dire  harpoon 

Which  the  vex'd  wave  doth  stain, 
And  in  strong  agony  transfix 

The  monarch  of  the  main. 


228  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

There's  mourning  in  the  field, 

The  grass  that  fell  to-day, 
Keluctant  to  the  scythe  did  yield 

Its  fragrant  soul  away, 
But  the  reaper  in  his  path, 

How  little  doth  he  heed 
The  expiring  of  the  wounded  swathe, 

That  at  his  feet  doth  bleed. 

The  maiden  as  she  goes 

Among  the  flowers  at  morn 
Kecks  not  the  weeping  of  the  rose 

That  from  its  buds  is  torn ; 
There's  mourning  all  around, 

In  ocean,  earth,  and  air, 
The  seeds  of  sorrow  sow  the  ground, 

And  blossom  every  where. 

Shall  man  revolt  to  bear 

The  tax  that  nature  lays? 
Or  with  a  murmuring  spirit  share 

The  ills  that  cloud  his  days? 
When  he,  alone,  of  all 

Creation's  mourning  train 
Hath  hope  these  fleeting  ills  may  work 

His  everlasting  gain  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  229 


JULY  XXIII. 

"Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord." 

REVELATION,  xiv:  13. 

WE  go  the  way  their  steps  have  trod, 

From  love's  forsaken  bowers, 
Their  simple  shroud,  their  narrow  house, 

Their  lowly  bed  are  ours, 
But  in  those  mansions  of  the  soul 

Where  tear  was  never  shed, 
Doubt  not  there  yet  is  room  for  us, 

For  so  the  Saviour  said. 

Oh  could  we  cheerfully  to  God 

Yield  back  the  friends  He  gave, 
Or  with  such  tear  as  Jesus  shed 

Bedew  their  peaceful  grave, 
How  pure  from  the  Eefiner's  Hand 

The  spirit's  gold  would  rise, 
And  Faith  from  transient  sorrow  gain 

New  fitness  for  the  skies. 


JULY  XXIY. 

"Now  is  the  accepted  time." 

2ND  CORINTHIAXS,  VI  I   2. 

"  Now,"  is  the  voice  that  Nature  breathes 

To  those  her  lore  who  heed, 
The  changeful  cloud,  the  fleeting  beam, 
The  fading  rose,  the  unresting  stream, 

Confirm  her  warning  creed. 


230  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

"  Noiv"  is  the  word  that  Wisdom  writes 

On  palace,  hall,  and  bower ; 
The  buried  past  from  hope  is  free, 
The  future,— what  is  that  to  thee  ? 
Improve  the  present  hour. 

"Now"  saith  the  Spirit  from  on  high, 

"Now"  saith  a  Page  sublime, 
To-morrow  hath  its  load  of  cares, 
To-morrow's  hand  no  promise  bears 
Of  the  accepted  time. 

"Now"  though  another  morn  may  rise 

In  purple  and  in  gold, 
Thine  eye  made  dim  by  failing  breath, 
And  shrouded  in  the  dust  of  death, 

May  not  its  light  behold. 

"Now" — not  to-morrow, — oh,  my  soul, 

Obey  thy  Maker's  call 
Lest  darkly  on  the  scroll  of  fate 
Stand  forth  the  fearful  doom, — too  late, 

And  thou  be  reft  of  all. 


JULY  XXV. 

"  God  requireth  that  which  is  past." 

ECCLESIABTES,  iii:  15. 

THE  Past  I    It  answereth  not  our  call, 

Its  shadowy  reign  is  o'er, 
See !  like  a  folded  mist  it  hangs 

O'er  dim  oblivion's  shore : 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  231 

The  dream  of  childhood's  distant  day, 

Light  words  from  youth  that  fell, 
The  deeds  and  thoughts  of  riper  years, 

Who  can  their  number  tell  ? 

The  Present,  like  an  eagle's  wing 

Doth  from  our  vision  fleet, 
The  Future,  with  its  shadowy  form 

Our  grasp  may  never  meet, 
But  with  the  great,  mysterious  Past 

Portentous  records  are, 
Oh !  spread  thy  conscience  to  thy  Judge, 

In  penitence  and  prayer. 


JULY  XXVI. 

"  Behold,  He  taketh  nwny,  who  can  hinder  Him  ?" 

JOB,  ix :  12. 

OH  Lord,  in  singleness  of  trust 

Unto  thy  feet  I  flee, 
Behold  my  helpers  all  are  dust, 

May  I  not  cling  to  Thee? 

The  love  that  in  my  bosom  grew 
And  with  my  being  twined, 

Now,  like  a  thistle  meets  the  view 
And  wounds  my  shrinking  mind.. 

The  joy  that  in  my  heart  was  stored 
And  kept  my  pathway  bright, 

With  blighted  leaf  like  Jonah's  gourd 
Hath  perished  in  a  night. 


232  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

•     All  these  were  loans,  and  surely  thou 

Wilt  never  do  me  wrong, 
And  should  not  I  submissive  bow 
Who  had  their  use  so  long? 

And  consecrate  the  unbidden  tear 
That  from  my  eyelid  strays, 

And  bid  it  in  its  fountain-sphere, 
Bear  tribute  to  thy  praise  ? 


JULY  XXVII. 

" It  is  I:  be  not  afraid." 

JOHN,  vi :  20. 

FRIEND,  in  every  woe  and  care, 
Hearer  of  that  inmost  prayer, 
Which  at  dawn  of  morning  gray, 
Ere  the  shadows  fleet  away, 
All  unclothed  by  language  steals, 
And  before  Thy  footstool  kneels, 
Friend  Eternal,  Friend  Divine, 
Be  our  warmest  praises  Thine. 

O'er  this  world's  tempestuous  tide, 
Be  our  pole-star  and  our  guide, 
Though  the  surges  wild  and  dark 
Thundering  threat  the  lonely  bark, 
Tho'  the  tempest  wake  in  dread, 
Tho'  the  wrecks  are  round  us  spread, 
Let  Thy  promise  be  our  aid, 
"It  is  I:  be  not  afraid." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  233 

When  this  clay  with  shuddering  start 
From  the  soul  is  call'd  to  part, 
Yield  the  quickening  breath  of  God, 
And  become  a  lifeless  clod, 
Let  Thine  arm  of  strength  be  near, 
Let  Thy  voice  the  conflict  cheer, 
Thro'  the  darkened  valley's  shade, 
"It  is  I:  be  not  afraid." 


JULY  XXVIII. 

"  Unspotted  from  the  world." 

JAMES,!:  27. 

UNSPOTTED  though  the  clouds 
Oft  o'er  our  landscape  spread 

And  on  the  sparkling  and  the  bright 
An  inky  shadow  shed ; 

Unspotted  where  the  touch 

Of  many  a  hand  defiles, 
And  where  the  foul  and  frequent  snare 

The  unwary  foot  beguiles ; 

Unspotted,  through  the  faith 

"With  holy  fervor  fraught, 
That  daily  in  the  fount  of  prayer 

Doth  cleanse  both  deed  and  thought : 

So,  grant  us  strength,  dear  Lord, 

Despite  the  Tempter's  art, 
Unspotted  from  the  world,  to  rise, 

Amid  the  pure  in  heart. 
r  20* 


234  DAILY    COUNSELLOE. 


JULY  XXIX. 

"The  spirit,  indeed,  ij  willing, — but  the  flesh  ia  weak." 

MATTHEW,  xxvi:  41. 

FLESH  is  not  weak,  when  pleasure  calls, 

When  appetite  asserts  its  right, 
Gay  through  the  mazy  dance  it  treads, 
The  viol  strikes,  the  banquet  spreads, 

Nor  flags  while  turning  day  to  night. 

Flesh  is  not  weak,  when  Passion  moves, 

When  Love  or  Anger  fire  the  eye, 
When  toward  the  goal  Ambition  springs, 
When  War  unfurls  his  banner'd  wings, 
And  trumpets  shriek  the  battle-cry. 

When  is  it  weak  ?     When  Duty  points 

To  self-denial's  humbling  task, 
When  Folly  weaves  the  syren-song, 
When  Wisdom  makes  the  sermon  long, 

Or  for  its  gold,  the  needy  ask; 

When  is  it  weak  ?     When  round  its  path 

A  snare  of  sin  the  Tempter  wreaths, 
It  tampers,  when  it  ought  to  cry 
11  Get  thee  behind  me" — and  the  sigh 
Of  base  capitulation  breathes. 

Up,  willing  spirit  I     Rule  the  flesh, 

Make  the  weak  servant  heed  thee  well, 
Watch  with  thy  Lord,  thro'  sorrow's  hour, 
So  shalt  thou  by  His  quickening  power 
Together  rise  with  Him  to  dwell. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  235 


JULY  XXX. 

'  I  have  called  and  ye  refused, — I  have  stretched  out  my  hand  and  no  man  regarded." 

PROVERBS,  i :  I 

To  gain  the  friendship  of  the  world, 

How  vain  the  ceaseless  strife ; 
We  sow  the  sand,  we  grasp  the  wind, 

We  waste  the  life  of  life. 

Perchance  some  giddy  height  we  gain, 

Some  gilded  treasure  show, 
The  footing  fails,  the  shadow  'scapes, 

We  sink  in  deeper  woe. 

Yet,  baffled,  still  the  toil  we  try, 

The  eager  chase  renew, 
Even  though  the  portals  of  the  grave 

Yawn  on  our  startled  view. 

But  Thou,  whose  pitying  mercy's  tide 

Is  like  the  unfathom'd  sea, 
Thy  love  was  waiting  for  our  souls, 

That  would  not  turn  to  Thee; 

Thy  hand  was  stretch' d,  Thy  voice  was  heard, 

Thy  fold  was  open  wide, 
Ah !  who  the  straying  sheep  can  save 

That  shuns  its  Shepherd-Guide. 


236  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


JULY  XXXI. 

"Almost  them  persundest." 

ACTS,  xxvi :  28. 

"ALMOST,"  thou  Jewish  prince!  what  words  are  these, 
A  Imost  persuaded  ? 

Hadst  thou  but  exchanged 
Almost,  for  altogether, — cast  away 
Trappings  and  royal  purple,  for  his  chain 
Who  reason'd  thus  before  thee,  drawn  his  faith 
Into  thy  soul,  even  with  the  blood-red  spear 
Of  martyrdom,  eternal  were  thy  gain. 

Oh,  Friends !  who  linger,  tho'  the  still,  small  voice 

Stirs  in  your  dormant  conscience,  who  would  fain, 
Like  King  Agrippa,  be  convinc'd,  yet  turn 
Back  to  the  world  awhile,  and  give  your  sins 
A  little  longer  scope, — beware !  beware ! 
Lest  that  dread  almost  shut  you  out  of  Heaven. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  239 


AUGUST  I. 

"I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to  hear  that  my  children  walk  in  truth." 

3RD  JOHN,  4. 

WHEN  kneeling  round  a  Saviour's  board 
Fair  forms,  and  brows  beloved  I  see, 

"Who  once  the  paths  of  love  explored 
And  scann'd  the  hallowed  page  with  me, 

When  now,  from  each  uplifted  face 
Beam  tranquil  trust,  and  peace  benign, 

And  in  each  eye  Heaven's  hope  I  trace 
The  tear  of  joy  suffuses  mine. 

Father!  I  bless  thy  ceaseless  care 
That  now  its  richest  gift  hath  shed, 

Oh,  guide  their  steps  through  every  snare 
From  every  danger  shield  their  head; 

From  dangerous  error's  dire  control, 

From  pride,  from  change,  from  darkness  free 

Preserve  each  timorous,  trusting  soul 
That  like  the  Ark-Dove  turns  to  Thee. 

Unite  us,  where  no  ill  can  harm, 
Unite  us,  where  no  fate  can  sever, 

Where  naught  but  holiness  doth  charm, 
And  all  that  charms  shall  live  forever. 


240  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


AUGUST  II. 

"The  brook  of  the  willows." 

ISAIAH,  xv :  7. 

WITH  a  pleasant,  murmuring  noise 
Glides  the  brooklet  of  our  joys, 
Sparkling  in  the  sunbeam  sheen, 
Fring'd  with  flowers  and  fleck'd  with  green; 
Yet  its  beauteous  banks  along 
Here  and  there,  with  fibers  strong, 
Still  the  tree  of  weeping  droopeth, 
And  to  kiss  its  waters  stoopeth. 

Liberal  Spring  the  current  swells, 
Brimming  o'er  in  crystal  wells, 
Sultry  Summer  checks  its  flow, — 
Brooks  decrease,  but  willows  grow. 


AUGUST  III. 

"  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Mary ! " 

JOHN,  xx :  16. 

WHAT  was  the  name,  that  first  of  all, 

My  blessed  Saviour  spoke, 
When  rising  from  the  realm  of  death 

The  tyrant's  sway  he  broke? 
Oh!  sweetest  of  all  earthly  names 

Mary!  methinks  I  hear, 
In  the  pure  baptism  of  His  voice, 

That  cadence  meet  my  ear. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  241 

And  unto  whom  did  He  at  first 

Announce  His  power  to  save, 
That  resurrection  which  made  sure 

Our  conquest  o'er  the  grave? 
To  the  disciples  fed  so  long 

On  heavenly  manna  free? 
To  Roman  guard?  To  haughty  scribe? 

To  boastful  Pharisee? 

No,  to  the  lowly  hearts  that  watch'd 

Tho'  every  star  had  paled, 
To  woman's  love  that  stood  the  test 

When  loftier  manhood  fail'd : 
Oh,  Sex  deem'd  weak !  be  well-content, 

Nor  strive  for  futile  fame, 
Thus  honor'd  by  the  Son  of  God, 

No  higher  glory  claim. 


AUGUST  IV. 

"  Behold !  there  went  out  a  sower  to  sow." 
MARK,  iv:  3. 

WILT  sow  your  heart-seeds  here? 

Earth  hath  too  poor  a  soil, 
Her  roaming,  wayside  birds  of  prey 
Oft  snatch  the  quicken'd  germs  away, 

And  disappoint  your  toil. 


242  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Even  should  they  spring  to  birth, 
Perchance,  with  ruthless  haste, 
The  summer-drought  might  parch  their  bloom, 
Or  early  frost  their  buds  entomb, 
Or  worms  their  life-blood  waste. 

But  there's  a  cloudless  clime, 

Beneath  whose  genial  skies 
No  blight  the  florist's  trust  betrays, 
No  garner'd  fruitage  e'er  decays, 

No  plant  of  promise  dies; 

It  hath  no  piercing  thorn, 

It  hath  no  poisonous  snare, 
No  storms  the  harvest-hopes  destroy 
Or  choke  with  sobs  the  reaper's  joy, 

Sow  ye  your  heart-seeds  there. 


AUGUST  Y. 

'He  shall  enter  into  peace,  they  shall  rest  in  their  beds,  each  one  walking  in  his  uprightness." 

ISAIAH,  Ivii :  2. 

THE  laboring  man  who  toils 

Unmoved  by  cold  or  heat, 
Doth  wearied  seek  his  nightly  couch 

And  find  its  slumber  sweet, 

While  they,  whom  idle  years 

Of  luxury  impair, 
Toss  on  the  reckless  couch,  or  meet 

The  dream  of  terror  there. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  243 

The  rich  man  moves  in  pomp, 

To  him  the  world  is  dear, 
And  every  treasure  twists  a  tie, 

To  bind  him  stronger  here: 

But  he  whose  purest  gold 

Is  in  the  conscience  stored, 
Is  richer  at  the  hour  of  death, 

Than  with  the  miser's  hoard. 

When  this  short  day  of  life, 

With  all  its  work  is  done, 
The  faithful  servant  of  his  God 

Doth  hail  the  setting  sun; 

But  they  who  waste  their  breath, 

Dread  the  accusing  tomb, 
And  the  time-killer  flies  from  death, 

As  from  a  murderer's  doom. 

So  give  us,  Lord,  to  find, 

When  earth  shall  pass  away, 
That  Sabbath-evening  of  the  mind, 

Which  crowns  a  well-spent  day, 

That  entering  to  thy  rest, 

Where  toils  and  cares  are  o'er, 
We,  with  the  myriads  of  the  bless'd, 

May  praise  Thee  evermore. 


244  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


AUGUST  VI. 

"Oh  Thou  that  hearest  prayer." 

PSALMS,  Ixv :  3. 

OH  Thou,  that  hearest  prayer  I 
Upon  Thy  love  and  care 

My  soul  relies, 
What  rock  hath  she  beside, 
If  sorrows  roll  their  tide  ? 
What  refuge  where  to  hide, 

When  storms  arise  ? 

Oh  Thou,  that  hearest  prayer ! 
Grant  me  life's  ills  to  bear, 

Patient  in  trust, 
Grant  me  Thy  truth  to  see, 
Grant  me  Thy  Spirit  free, 
Till  my  last  sleep  shall  be 

Low  in  the  dust. 


AUGUST  VII. 

"  Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus  Christ." 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  iii:  11. 

BUILD'ST  thou  on  wealth?  its  wings  are  ever  spread 
Its  dazzled  votaries  to  elude  and  foil; 

On  science?  lo!  the  lofty  sage  hath  fled, 

Like  the  pale  lamp  that  lit  his  midnight  toil, 
Forgotten  as  the  flower  that  deck'd  the  vernal  soil. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  245 

Build'st  thou  on  love?  the  trusting  heart  it  cheers 
While  youth  and  hope  entwine  their  garlands  gay, 

Yet  hath  it  still  an  heritage  of  tears: 

Build'st  thou  on  fame?  the  dancing  meteor's  ray 
Glides  not  on  swifter  wing,  to  deeper  night  away. 

Why,  on  such  sands,  thy  spirit's  temple  rear? 

How  shall  its  base  the  wrecking  billows  shun? 
Go,  seek  the  Eternal  Rock,  with  humble  fear, 

And  on  the  tablet  of  each  setting  sun 

Grave,  with  a  diamond  pen,  some  deed  of  duty  done. 

Young  art  thou?  then  the  words  of  wisdom  weigh, 
Mature?  the  gathering  ills  of  life  beware, 

Aged?  O,  make  His  mighty  arm  thy  stay 

Who  saves  the  weakest  suppliant  from  despair, 
And  bids  the  darken'd  tomb  a  robe  of  glory  wear. 


AUGUST  VIII. 

"  Yea,  the  stars  are  not  pure  in  His  sight." 

JOB,  xxv :  5. 

WHY  tremble  thus,  ye  fixed  stars? 

Ye  who  abide  so  near 
The  Fountain  of  Unfailing  Light, 

Say,  what  have  ye  to  fear? 

J'  J 


r 

246  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


And  the  Stars  answered,  "We  who  dwell 

Nearest  the  Source  of  Day, 
Best  know  its  purity,  and  dread 

To  lose  or  shame  its  ray." 

Oh,  Father!  while  our  star  of  life 
Holds  on  its  wandering  course, 

Permit  no  darkening  mists  of  earth 
To  shade  its  guiding  source, 

And  when  no  more  its  twinkling  orb 
Thro'  weeping  clouds  shall  peer, 

Grant  it  all  uneclipsed  to  span 
The  Everlasting  Year. 


AUGUST  IX. 

'Not  dead,— but  sleepeth." 

MARK,  v:  39. 

NOT  dead!     A  marble  seal  is  prest 

Where  the  bright  glance  did  part, 
A  weight  is  on  the  pulseless  breast, 

Thick  ice  around  the  heart, 
No  more  she  wakes  with  greeting  smile, 

Glad  voice  and  buoyant  tread, 
But  yet  ye  calmly  say  the  while 

She  sleeps,  she  is  not  dead. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  247 

No;  No.     The  mind  whose  heaven-born  thought 

No  earthly  chain  could  bind, 
The  holy  heart  divinely  fraught 

With  love  to  all  mankind, 
The  humble  soul  whose  changeless  trust 

Was  with  its  God  on  high, 
They  soar  above  the  sleeping  dust, 

For  they  can  never  die. 


AUGUST  X. 

he  king  said  unto  the  damsel,— 'Ask  of  me  whatsoever  thou  wilt,  and  I  will  give  it 
"  MARK,  vi : 

HEROD  had  sworn.     The  dancer  had  her  way. 
Light  heels,  and  lighter  words. 

What  follow'd  next? 

The  prompting  of  a  vengeful  woman's  spite. 
A  lurid  lamp  within  the  dungeon-cell, 
An  executioner,  with  visage  grim, 
And  as  the  whirlwind  rends  the  lofty  oak, 
Falls  the  beheaded  prophet. 

It  would  seem 

The  king  was  sorry,  but  for  his  oath's  sake, 
And  from  a  craven  fear  of  those  who  sate^ 
With  him  at  meat,  he  would  not  say  her  nay.. 
False  pride !  mistaken  honor ! 

Through  their  sway 

The  might  of  wickedness  was  dominant,. 
And  malice  triumphed. 


248  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Friend !  if  thou  hast  made 
A  vow  of  rashness,  go,  absolve  thyself, 
Beseech  forgiveness,  seek  release  of  him 
Who  holds  the  unwary  promise. 

Hear  his  voice, 

Israel's  wise  monarch,  and  decline  to  be 
Another's  surety,  lest  thou  plunge  with  him 
In  ruin  irretrievable. 

'Twere  sad, 

If  sudden  rashness  of  a  thoughtless  tongue 
Should  trouble  and  perplex  our  fellow-men, 
Uphold  the  wrong,  sow  discord,  hide  the  truth, 
Or  hurt  the  soul. 

'Twere  better  to  be  taught 
Even  by  king  Herod  in  his  vanity 
Than  compromise  our  peace,  and  sanction  guilt, 
And  suffer  loss,  for  sound  of  empty  words. 


AUGUST  XI. 

•Thou,  O  God,  didst  send  a  plentiful  rain,  whereby  thou  didst  confirm   thine  inheritance, 
len  it  wai  weary."  PSALMS,  Ixviii:  9. 

.  I  MARKED  at  morn,  the  thirsty  earth 

By  lingering  drought  oppressed, 
Like  sick  man  in  his  fever  heat, 

"With  parching  brow  and  breast, 
But  evening  brought  a  cheering  sound 

Of  music  o'er  the  pane, 
The  voice  of  heavenly  showers,  that  said, — 

Oh !  blessed,  blessed  Rain ! 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  249 

The  pale  and  suffocating  plants 

That  bowed  themselves  to  die, 
Imbibed  the  pure,  reprieving  drops 

Sweet  gift  of  a  pitying  sky, 
The  fern  and  heath  upon  the  rock, 

And  the  daisy  on  the  plain, 
Each  whispered  to  their  new-born  buds, 

Oh!  blessed,  blessed  Eain! 

The  herds  that  o'er  the  wasted  fields 

Eoamed  with  dejected  eye, 
To  find  their  verdant  pasture  brown, 

Their  crystal  brooklet  dry, 
Kejoiced  within  the  mantling  pool 

To  stand  refreshed  again, 
Each  infant  ripple  leaping  high 

To  meet  the  blessed  Kain. 

The  farmer  sees  his  crisping  corn 

Whose  tassels  swept  the  ground, 
Uplift  once  more  a  stately  head 

With  hopeful  beauty  crowned, 
While  the  idly  lingering  water-wheel, 

Where  the  miller  ground  his  grain, 
Turns  gaily  round  with  a  dashing  sound, 

At  the  touch  of  the  blessed  Eain. 

Lord !  if  our  drooping  souls  too  long 

Should  close  their  upward  wing, 
And  the  adhesive  dust  of  earth 

All  darkly  round  them  cling, 
Send  thou  such  showers  of  quickening  grace 

That  the  angelic  train 
Shall  to  our  grateful  shout  respond, 

Oh!  blessed,  blessed  Eain! 


250  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


AUGUST  XII. 

"  Considering  thyself,— lest  thou  also  be  tempted." 

GXLLATIANS,  vi :  1. 

SCORN  not  the  sinner,  thou  whose  heart 
In  purpose  pure  is  garnered  strong, 

Claims  penitence  with  thee  no  part? 
Doth  pride  to  mortal  man  belong? 

By  all  thy  follies  unforgiven, 

Were  thou  at  Death's  dark  hour  accused, 
Even  thou,  might  at  the  gate  of  Heaven 

In  terror  knock,  and  be  refused. 


AUGUST  XIII. 

"And  David  said.  Let  us  fall  now  into  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  for  his  mercies  ore  great,- 
tiiul  let  me  not  fall  into  the  hand  of  man."  2ND  SAMUKL,  xxiv :  14. 

MAN  hath  a  voice  severe, 

His  neighbor's  faults  to  blame, 

A  wakeful  eye,  a  listening  ear 
To  note  his  brother's  shame. 


He  with  suspicion's  glance 

The  curtain'd  breast  doth  read, 

And  raise  the  accusing  balance  high, 
To  weigh  the  doubtful  deed. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  251 

Oh !  Thou,  whose  sleepless  eye 

Doth  note  each  secret  path, 
For  mercy  to  Thy  throne,  we  fly, 

From  man's  condemning  wrath. 

Thou,  who  clost  dimness  mark 

In  Heaven's  resplendent  way, 
And  folly  in  that  angel  host 

"Who  serve  Thee  night  and  day, 

How  fearless  should  our  trust 

In  Thy  compassion  be, 
When  from  our  brother  of  the  dust 

We  dare  appeal  to  Thee. 


AUGUST  XIY. 

"  A  friend  loveth  at  all  times." 

PROVERBS,  xvii :  17. 

I  SAW  the  youngling  moon  look  meekly  forth, 

While  the  hoarse  floods  prolong'd  their  vesper  hymn, 

Touching  the  forehead  of  a  far,  gray  isle 
With  silver  radiance,  delicately  dim, 

But  arching  high,  in  majesty  and  wrath, 
And  closer  shutting  o'er  her  gentle  head, 

Portending  evil  for  her  future  path, 

A  sable  cloud,  its  gathering  blackness  spread ; 


252  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Yet  still,  adherent  to  the  infant  queen, 
Fast  by  her  side,  with  cheek  serenely  pale, 

A  tender,  lonely,  pure-eyed  star  was  seen, 
Like  Abdiel  faithful,  tho'  all  else  should  fail : 

And  hark !  that  voice  upon  the  summer  air, — 

Who  hath  one  constant  friend,  the  darkest  cloud  may  dare. 


AUGUST   XV. 

Unless  thy  law  had  been  my  delight,  I  should  have  perished 


PSALMS,  cxix:  92. 


HAD  not  thy  righteous  law  been  my  delight 

When  friends  forsook,  and  earthly  comforts  fled, 

And  cruel  foes  displayed  their  envious  spite, 
Most  surely  I  had  sunk  among  the  dead, 
And  cold  oblivion's  dew  had  rested  on  my  head. 

Yet  still  I  live,  oh  let  my  praise  arise 

To  Him,  who  clothed  with  majesty  and  might 

And  seated  in  His  temple  of  the  skies 

Sends  gifts  to  man,  with  peace  and  life  and  light, 
But  thou  my  soul  art  weak,  and  sinful  in  His  sight. 

Oh !  lead  me  from  those  paths  with  error  fraught, 
Whose  snares,  too  oft,  my  heedless  steps  betide, 

Restrain  the  hasty  speech  and  roving  thought, 
And  fear  of  feeble  man,  and  causeless  pride, 
And  all  the  secret  ills  that  in  my  heart  abide. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  253 


AUGUST  XVI. 

"Thy  will  be  done." 

MATTHEW,  vi :  10. 

THE  Mother  trembled  with  excess  of  joy 
Over  her  first-born  babe.     The  new  delight 
Spread  a  fresh  vernal  greenness  o'er  her  heart 
Eemembering  not  her  anguish,  like  the  snows 
That  on  the  winter's  skirts  had  fled  away. 
A  few  bright  mornings  dawn'd,  and  lo !  a  frost, 
And  coldly  by  the  fountain  of  her  hope 
Lay  a  dead  blossom. 

Agony  intense 
Convuls'd  her  woman's  nature,  to  its  depths. 

But  when  at  length  'mid  chastening  tears  she  spake, 
And  said  Thy  will  be  done,  there  came  a  peace 
That  the  world's  proudest  plenitude  gives  not, 
And  the  afflicted  soul  found  rest  in  God. 


AUGUST  XVII. 

1  And  deliver  them  who,  through  fear  of  death,  were  all  their  lifetime  lubject  to  bondage." 

HEBREWS,  ii:  15. 

AFRAID  to  die!  afraid  to  sleep 

In  earth,  our  mother's  tranquil  breast, 

"Where  snares  and  troubles  vex  no  more, 

And  all  the  weary  are  at  rest  ? 
22  J 


254  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Afraid  to  die !  afraid  to  take 
His  hand  who  trod  the  shadowy  vale, 
And  leads  us  on  to  pastures  green, 
And  living  streams  that  never  fail  ? 

Afraid  to  die !  afraid  to  bear 
The  pang  that  but  a  moment  tries, 
And  o'er  the  sway  of  pain  and  care, 
Ascend  to  mansions  in  the  skies  ? 

Afraid  to  die !  afraid  to  meet 
The  guardian  bands  who  watchful  wait, 
And  spread  their  radiant  pinions  wide 
To  bear  us  through  salvation's  gate  ? 

Afraid  to  die !  prefer  to  be 

A  stranger  in  these  courts  below, 

A  pilgrim,  when  the  lights  of  home 

Bright  through  our  Father's  windows  glow? 

Afraid  to  die !  ah !  what  avails, 
Whether  by  sickness,  storm,  or  fire, 
The  ethereal  essence  finds  its  place, 
And  rises  to  the  Eternal  Sire. 

Afraid  to  die !  O  grant  us  grace, 
Thou  who  didst  dare  the  spoiler's  strife, 
Calmly  to  meet  his  cold  embrace, 
And  soar  to  everlasting  life. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  255 


AUGUST  XVIII. 

'  A  standing  pillar  of  salt,  is  the  monument  of  an  unbelieving  soul." 

WISDOM  or  SOLOMON,  x :  7. 

IMPASSIVE  and  unfertile, 

A  monument  of  pain, 
The  mark  of  disobedience 

And  obdurate  disdain, 
A  fixture  in  the  desert 

Immoveable  and  dread, 
A  warning  to  the  living, 

A  beacon  'mid  the  dead, 
A  hankerer  after  Sodom 

Where  fiery  billows  roll, 
Yet  still  unfit  for  Zoar, 

Is  the  unbelieving  soul. 


AUGUST  XIX. 

And  He  took  them  up  in  His  arms,  put  His  hands  on  them,  and  blessed  them." 

MARK,*: 

CHILDREN  by  our  Lord  were  honored, 
When  on  this  poor  earth  he  staid ; 

Fondly  he  embraced  and  blessed  them, 
Though  a  frowning  throng  forbade. 

To  his  side  a  child  he  summoned, 
Placed  him  in  the  midst,  and  told 

Those  that  simple  guide  to  follow, 
Who  God's  kingdom  would  behold. 


256  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Still  his  Gospel  honors  children, 
Bids  them  in  its  armies  move, 

And  their  little  rills  of  bounty 
Swell  the  ocean  of  its  love ; 

Bids  them  strive  with  zealous  pity 
For  the  desolate  and  sad, 

Till  the  dark  and  desert  places 
Are  for  them  exceeding  glad. 


AUGUST  XX. 

1  In  the  fourth  watch  of  the  night,  Jesus  went  unto  them,  walking  on  the  sea." 

MATTHEW,  xiv:  25. 

WHEN  on  a  dangerous  shore, 
Quicksands,  and  breakers  roar, 
Who  walks  the  billows  o'er  ? 
List!  "It  is  I." 

Though  at  the  midnight  dark, 
Storms  toss  thy  lonely  bark, 
What  saith  the  Pilot?— Hark! 

'Be  of  good  cheer." 

Though  earth  and  ocean  quake, 
Though  every  prop  should  break, 
Though  every  friend  forsake, 
"Be  not  afraid." 

Have  not  a  thought  of  fear, 
Shed  no  repining  tear, 
Christ  unto  Thee  is  near, 

Christ  is  thine  all. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  257 


AUGUST  XXI. 

"  To  know  the  love  of  Christ  which  paiseth  knowledge." 

EFHBSMNS,  iii :  19. 

How  can  we  know  what  passeth  thought  ? 

How  measure  that  which  hath  no  end? 
How  solve  the  mystery  divine 

That  angels  fail  to  comprehend  ? 

Yet,  Saviour,  though  this  wondrous  love 
That  bowed  to  bleed  for  fallen  man, 

In  all  its  magnitude  and  depth, 
Our  futile  reason  fail  to  scan, 

Still  may  we  with  this  boundless  theme 

Kneel,  and  in  gratitude  adore 
And  taste  salvation's  living  stream 

And  thirst,  and  droop,  and  doubt  no  more. 


AUGUST   XXII. 

"  I  do  set  my  bow  in  the  cloud." 

GENESIS,  iz:  13. 

THE  Sun  drew  near  his  setting,  robed  in  gold, 
But  on  the  Patriarch,  ere  from  prayer  he  rose, 
A  sudden  cloud  had  wept,  and  rain-drops  lay 
Amid  his  silver  hairs.     Then  burst  an  arch 
Of  glorious  brilliance  forth,  spanning  the  skies, 
Heaven's  amnesty  to  desolated  earth. 
Oh  Signet-ring !  with  which  the  Almighty  seal'd 
His  treaty  with  the  remnant  of  the  race 
That  shrank  before  Him,  let  thy  brilliant  hues 
Grave  on  our  souls  His  unforaretful  love. 

l  22* 


258  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Sublime  Instructor,  who  four  thousand  years 
Hast  ne'er  withheld  thy  lesson,  but  unfurl'd, 
When  shower  and  sunbeam  bade,  thy  radiant  scroll, 
Oft  'mid  the  summer's  day,  I  musing  gaze 
Thro'  my  lone  casement  to  be  taught  of  thee. 
Born  of  the  smile  and  tear-drop,  hast  thou  not 
Affinity  with  man  ? — for  such  would  seem 
His  elements  and  pilgrimage  below. 
Like  thine,  his  span  of  strength  and  beauty  fades, 
Although  its  columns  rest  on  endless  truth, 
And  boundless  mercy. 

Deluge  floods  may  come, 
The  everlasting  fountains  burst  their  bounds, 
The  exploring  dove  without  a  leaf  return, 
And  earth  depart.      What  then? 

Be  still,  my  soul ! 

Enter  thine  ark.     God's  promise  can  not  fail, 
And  surely,  as  yon  rainbow  stamps  the  cloud, 
His  truth,  thine  Ararat,  shall  shelter  thee. 


AUGUST  XXIII. 

"  Lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  Heaven." 

MATTHEW,  v  i : 

I  HAD  a  garment  rare, 

A  robe  of  cost; 
I  hoarded  it  with  care 
From  sun  and  dust  and  air, 
Lo!  the  moth  hath  marr'd  it  sore, 
It  charms  the  sight  no  more, 

'Tislost!   'TislostI 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  259 

I  had  a  ring  of  price, 

A  wedge  of  gold; 
But  to  their  secret  bed 
The  cancerous  rust  hath  sped, 
It  hath  made  a  fatal  sweep, 
It  hath  eaten  broad  and  deep, 

Look!  Look!  Behold! 

I  had  a  precious  gem, 

A  jewel  rare; 
Close  in  my  bosom's  core 
That  talisman  I  bore, 
How  did  the  robber's  eye 
My  life  of  life  esp}r  ? 

Tis  gone!  Tis  gone! 

Alas!  poor  rifled  heart, 

Burdened  with  care, 
List  to  the  blessed  word 
Of  thine  ascended  Lord  : 
Heaven  hath  a  casket  sure, 
Where  treasures  age  endure, 

Lay  thine  up — there! 


AUGUST  XXIV. 

"  Beauty  for  ashes,  the  garment  of  pruise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness." 

ISAIAH,  Ixi :  3. 

LORD  of  the  bird,  and  the  green  leaf,  that  pour 
Their  vernal  matin  forth,  in  bud,  and  song, 

Dost  thou  not  claim  from  the  frail,  human  heart 
The  same  fresh  incense,  oft  withheld  too  long  ? 


260  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Dost  thou  not  bid,  when  the  wild  storm  is  past, 

That  it  should  yield  to  Thee,  with  tearful  trust, 
Each  cherish'd  tendril  smitten  by  the  blast, 

Each  riven  blossom  humbled  to  the  dust? 
And  firm  in  cheerful  and  confiding  hope, 

Admit  the  wisdom  that  it  fails  to  see, 
And  from  its  sackcloth  and  its  ashes  raise 

A  strain  of  prayerful  melody  to  Thee  ? 
Offering  with  equal  faith  and  equal  praise 
The  sunbeam,  or  the  cloud  that  marks  its  fleeting  days? 


AUGUST  XXV. 

"Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not." 

PROVERBS,  xxiii :  23. 

POUR  the  jewels  from  thy  hoard, 
In  their  richest  casket  stored, 
Gems,  from  Learning's  mine  profound, 
Diamonds  from  Golconda's  bound, 
Wreaths  by  radiant  Beauty  wove, 
Buds  of  Hope,  and  flowers  of  Love, 
Pour  them  lavish  o'er  the  spot, — 
Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not. 

What  would  pay  thee  for  its  loss  ? 
Gold  without  it  is  but  dross, 
Love,  a  shadow  light  and  vain, 
Knowledge,  mockery  and  pain ; 
Naught  its  absence  might  supply, 
Naught  in  earth,  or  sea,  or  sky, 
Naught  in  palace  or  in  cot, — 
Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  261 


AUGUST  XXYI. 

"  If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things  which  are  fromabove,  where  Christ  sittetl, 
on  the  right  hand  of  God."  COLOSSIASS,  iii :  1. 

IF  with  the  Lord  your  hope  doth  rest, 

With  Christ  who  reigns  above, 
Loose  from  its  bonds  the  captive  breast, 

And  heavenward  point  its  love. 

Yes,  heavenward.     Ye're  of  holy  birth, 

Bid  your  affections  soar 
Above  the  vain  delights  of  earth, 

Which  fade,  to  bloom  no  more. 

Seek  ye  some  pure  and  thornless  rose? 

Some  friend  with  changeless  eye  ? 
Some  fount  whence  living  water  flows  ? 

Go,  seek  those  things  on  high. 

Thither  bid  Hope  a  pilgrim  go, 

And  Faith  her  mansion  rear, 
Even  while  amid  this  world  of  woe 

Ye  shed  the  stranger's  tear: 

If  folly  tempts,  or  sin  allures, 

Be  deaf  to  all  their  art, 
So  shall  eternal  life  be  yours 

When  time's  brief  years  depart. 


262  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


AUGUST  XXVII. 

"  They  that  watch  for  the  morning." 

PSALMS,  cxxx :  6. 

YE  tell  the  watcher,  seated  long 

Beside  the  couch  of  pain, 
"Behold  the  night  away  hath  roll'd, 
And  brilliant  through  her  gate  of  gold 

Aurora  comes  again." 

Ye  tell  the  sea-boy  as  he  treads 

The  deck  with  weary  eye, 
Musing  amid  his  night-watch  drear 
On  home's  low  porch,  and  brothers  dear, 

"Look  up!  .the  morn  is  nigh." 

And  to  the  parting  friend  who  feels 

The  unutter'd  sorrow  swell, 
Sweet  words  of  blessed  hope  ye  say 
To  gird  him  on  his  pilgrim- way, 

And  smile  a  kind  farewell. 

So,  unto  Him,  who  pale  with  pain, 

Life's  latest  vigil  takes, 
Speak  holy  thoughts  of  faith  and  cheer 
Nor  daunt  the  soul  with  moan  and  tear 

That  earth's  last  mooring  breaks : 

Cry  not,  "Come  back,  come  back  to  us," 
With  selfish  grief  and  dread, 

But  firmly  hold  the  failing  hand, 

Until  it  grasp  the  angel-band, 
Nor  weep  till  breath  hath  fled. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  263 


AUGUST  XXVIII. 

"The  earth  was  without  form,  and  void  and  darkness  was  upon  the  deep,  and  the  Spirit  of 
God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters."  GENESIS,  i :  2. 

WHEX  at  creation's  morning-hour, 

Before  the  kingly  Sun 
Assum'd  his  place,  or  Night's  pale  Queen 

Her  regency  begun, 

Before  the  earliest,  infant  star 

Its  sacred  urn  employ'd, 
Then  moved  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 

Amid  that  formless  void. 

So,  when  the  sway  of  sin  is  broke 

Within  the  human  heart, 
And  'mid  that  elemental  war 

Contrition's  waters  start, 

Ere  Faith,  the  guiding  star  hath  risen, 

Or  Hope,  with  moonlight  ray, 
Or  Christian  Charity  transform'd, 

The  darkness  into  day, 

Breathe,  Holy  Spirit,  on  the  flood 

Of  penitential  woe, 
And  bid  the  chaos  of  despair 

With  light  and  beauty  glow. 


264  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


AUGUST  XXIX- 

"  It  is  a  good  thing  to  show  forth  Thy  faithfulness  every  night." 

PSALMS,  xeii:  2. 

LORD,  the  shades  of  night  surround  us, 
Homeward  come  thy  wandering  sheep, 

Throw  Thy  sheltering  arm  around  us, 
Safe  from  every  danger  keep, 

Poor  and  needy, 
Oh  protect  us,  while  we  sleep. 

Praise  we  bring  for  every  blessing, 
O'er  us,  like  the  dew-drops  shed, 

May  we,  thy  rich  grace  possessing, 
Eest  in  peace  the  weary  head, 

Holy  Angels! 
Fold  your  pinions  round  our  bed. 

When  this  day  of  life  is  ended, 
When  its  hopes  and  fears  are  o'er, 

By  a  Saviour's  love  befriended 
Guide  us  to  the  heavenly  shore, 

Oh  receive  us, 
W^here  the  light  shall  fade  no  more. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  265 


AUGUST    XXX. 

"  And  as  tliy  servant  was  busy,  here  and  there,  he  wns  gone." 

IST  KINGS,  xx 

GONE!  Who  was  gone?     The  Holy  Paraclete, 
Who  knocks  so  gently  at  the  human  heart, 
Entreating  it  to  turn  from  sin  and  live. 
He  waited,  and  was  griev'd,  and  went  away, 
Ah !  who  can  tell  if  He  will  e'er  return. 

Yes,  busy  here  and  there,  'mid  trifling  things, 
Plantings  and  prunings,  merchandise  and  gain 
The  sale  of  oxen,  or  the  care  of  gold, 
Things  I  call'd  duties,  busied  here  and  there, 
I  let  the  solace  of  my  soul  depart, 
The  Comforter,  the  blessed  Paraclete, — 
Alas !  who  knows  if  He  will  e'er  return. 


AUGUST  XXXI. 

"  The  harvest  is  past,  the  summer  is  ended,  and  we  are  not  saved." 

JERKMIAH,  viii :  30. 

THE  sickle  was  resting,  its  labors  were  done, 

And  the  reapers  had  gone  ere  the  set  of  the  sun, 

They  had  gone  by  the  side  of  the  slow-rolling  wain 

That  pour'd  in  the  garner  its  burden  of  grain, 

And  a  moan  swell'd  the  wing  of  the  breeze  as  it  waved, 

"  The  harvest  is  over,  and  we  are  not  saved." 
'    23 


266  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  gems  of  the  garden,  when  frost  chills  the  air, 
To  the  cells  of  the  green -house  for  safety  repair, 
And  the  florist  exults  as  he  sees  them  expand 
'Neath  the  beams  of  the  sun  and  the  showers  from  his 

hand, 

But  hark !  to  a  cry  where  the  field-flowers  had  waved 
"The  summer  is  ended,  and  we  are  not  saved." 

Oh  human  souls !  in  your  course  below, 
Chasing  butterflies  to  and  fro, 
Toying  with  phantoms  night  and  day, 
While  time's  little  hour-glass  is  wasting  away, 
Beware  of  that  voice !  like  a  maniac  it  raved, 
The  Harvest!   The  Summer!  and  we  are  not  saved." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  269 


SEPTEMBER   I. 

"He  shall  gather  the  lambs  with  his  arm." 

ISAIAH,  xl:  11 

I  WAS  a  straying  sheep, 

I  wandered  from  my  guide, 
Along  the  broad  and  flowery  road, 

My  lambkin  by  my  side. 

A  warning  call  I  heard, 

"Come  back  to  me,"  it  said, 
I  knew  it  was  my  Shepherd's  voice, 

But  turn'd  away  my  head. 

Among  the  giddy  throng 

I  sported  far  and  wide, 
By  the  green  margin  of  the  brooks, 

My  lambkin  by  my  side. 

Dark  clouds  obscured  the  sky, 

I  stood  alone  that  day, 
I  knew  it  was  the  Shepherd's  hand 

That  took  my  lamb  away. 

He  took  it  to  His  fold, 

My  eyes  with  tears  were  dim, 
Then,  through  the  darkness  and  the  storm, 

I  rose  and  followed  Him. 

23* 


270  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  steep  and  narrow  way, 
With  humbled  heart  I  took, 

I  knew  it  was  the  path  He  went, 
The  path  that  I  forsook ; 

Yes,  still  I'll  climb  and  pray, 
Till  this  short  life  is  o'er, 

And  strive  to  find  my  folded  lamb, 
And  never  wander  more. 


SEPTEMBER  II. 

"  The  Father  seeketh  such  to  worship  Him." 

JOHN,  iv :  23. 

I  SAW  her  entering  to  the  House  of  God, 
A  humble  woman,  clad  in  homely  guise, 

And  in  her  steps  two  little  daughters  trod 
Heeding  her  movements  with  attentive  eyes, 

Fast  by  the  chancel-rail  they  sate,  or  stood, 

No  pew  was  theirs, — and  where  she  knelt  they  knelt, 

Shaping  themselves,  as  well  as  childhood  could, 
By  the  devotion  that  her  bosom  felt; 

What  didst  thou  ask,  meek  suppliant,  in  thy  prayer, 
Amid  the  tides  of  wealth  that  round  thee  flow? 

Strength  for  a  lot  of  labor  and  of  care  ? 

Christ's  sweet  compassion  in  thine  hour  of  woe? 

Look  up,  for  tho'  thy  faith  with  clouds  be  dim, 
God  notes  the  lowly  soul :  its  worship  pleaseth  Him. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  271 


SEPTEMBER  III. 

"His  mercies  are  new  every  morning." 

LAMENTATIONS,  iii:  23. 

OH  Thou,  who  bounteous  to  their  need, 
Dost  all  earth's  thronging  pilgrims  feed, 
Dost  bid  for  them,  in  every  clime, 
The  pregnant  harvest  know  its  time, 
The  flocks  in  verdant  pastures  dwell, 
The  corn  aspire,  the  olive  swell, 
Fain  would  we  bless  the  sleepless  Eye, 
That  doth  our  hourly  wants  descry. 
Thou  pour'st  us  from  the  nested  grove, 
The  minstrel  melody  of  love. 
Thou  giv'st  us  of  the  fruitage  fair 
That  summer's  ardent  suns  prepare, 
Of  honey  from  the  rock  that  flows, 
And  of  the  perfume  of  the  rose, 
And  of  the  breeze  whose  balm  repairs 
The  sick'ning  waste  of  earth-born  cares. 
And  though,  perchance,  the  ingrate  knee 
Bends  not  in  praise  nor  prayer  to  thee, 
Though  Sin  that  stole  with  traitor-sway 
Even  Peter's  loyalty  away, 
May  strongly  weave  its  sevenfold  snare, 
And  bring  dejection  and  despair; 
Yet  not  the  morn  with  cheering  eye 
More  duly  lights  the  expecting  sky, 
Nor  surer  speeds  on  pinion  light, 
Each  measured  moment's  trackless  flight, 
Than  comes  thy  mercy's  kind  embrace 
To  feeble  man's  forgetful  race. 


272  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  IV. 

'Show  us  the  Father." 

JOHN,  xiv:  8. 

HAVE  ye  not  seen  Him,  when  through  parted  snows 
"Wake  the  first  kindlings  of  the  vernal  green? 

When  'neath  its  modest  veil  the  arbutus  blows, 
And  the  pure  snow-drop  bursts  its  folded  screen  ? 

When  the  wild  rose,  that  asks  no  florist's  care, 

Unfoldeth  its  rich  leaves,  have  ye  not  seen  Him  there  ? 

Have  ye  not  seen  Him,  when  the  infant's  eye, 

Through  its  bright  sapphire- windows  shows  the  mind? 

When  in  the  trembling  of  the  tear  or  sigh, 

Floats  forth  that  essence,  trembling  and  refined  ? 

Saw  ye  not  Him,  the  author  of  our  trust, 

Who  breathed  the  breath  of  life  into  a  frame  of  dust  ? 

Amid  the  stillness  of  the  Sabbath  morn, 
When  vexing  cares  in  tranquil  slumber  rest, 

When  in  the  heart  the  holy  thought  is  born, 

And  Heaven's  high  impulse  warms  the  waiting  breast, 

Have  ye  not  felt  Him,  while  your  kindling  prayer 

Swelled  out  in  tones  of  praise,  announcing  God  was  there  ? 

Show  us  the  Father!     If  ye  fail  to  trace 

His  chariot  where  the  stars  majestic  roll, 
His  pencil  'mid  earth's  loveliness  and  grace, 

His  presence  in  the  Sabbath  of  the  soul, 
How  can  you  see  Him  till  the  day  of  dread, 
When  to  assembled  worlds  the  book  of  doom  is  read  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  273 


SEPTEMBER  V. 

"Dost  them  know  the  balancings  of  the  clouds?" 

JOB,  xxxvii :  16. 

OH,  meditorial  ministry  of  clouds, 

Tempering  the  red  rays  of  the  ruling  Sun, 

How  beauteous  and  beneficent  ye  are. 

With  what  a  glorious  pomp,  ye  sentinel 

His  western  gate,  in  gorgeous  robes  array 'd, 

To  pay  observance  to  his  high  estate. 

Ocean,  who  gloateth  o'er  his  secret  hoard, 

Well  knows  what  revenue  from  you  accrues 

To  his  exchequer,  and  with  shout  of  waves 

Welcomes  the  rushing  rivers  that  ye  send 

With  fuller  tribute  to  his  heaving  breast. 

Earth  too,  ye  bless,  and  from  your  store-house  pour 

Treasures  of  rain  and  weight  of  harvest-gold, 

Swelling  to  wilder  leaps  the  dwindled  stream 

That  throws  its  crystal  o'er  the  mountain  steep, 

Gladdening  the  shrunk  moss  on  the  ruin'd  tower, 

And  the  brown  fern  amid  the  Bernese  Alps, 

And  the  deep  penury  of  plants  that  creep 

Up  through  the  desert-sands. 

We  bless  ye,  Clouds ! 

And  by  your  lore  instructed,  fain  would  keep 
The  path  of  duty,  wheresoe'er  it  tend, 
Nor  in  its  highest  agencies  o'erlook 
The  humblest  promptings  of  sweet  charity. 


274  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  VI. 

"  Wait  upon  the  Lord,  that  hideth  his  face." 

ISAIAH,  viii :  17 

WHERE'ER  thy  earthly  lot  is  cast, 

Whate'er  its  duties  prove, 
To  toil  'neath  penury's  piercing  blast, 

Or  share  the  cell  of  love., 
Or  'mid  the  pomp  of  wealth  to  live, 

Or  wield  of  power  the  rod, 
Still  as  a  faithful  servant  strive 

To  wait  alone  on  God. 

Should  disappointment's  blighting  sway 

Destroy  of  joy  the  bloom, 
Till  one  by  one  thy  joys  decay 

In  darkness  and  the  tomb, 
Should  Heaven  its  cheering  smile  withhold 

From  thy  disastrous  fate, 
And  foes  arise  like  billows  bold, 

Still  on  Jehovah  wait. 

When  timid  dawn  her  couch  forsakes, 

Or  noon-day  splendors  glide, 
Or  eve  her  curtain'd  pillow  takes, 

While  watchful  steps  preside, 
Or  midnight  drives  the  throngs  of  care 

Far  from  her  ebon  throne, 
Unwearied  in  thy  fervent  prayer 

Wait  thou  on  God  alone. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  275 

But  should  He  still  conceal  his  face 

Till  flesh  and  spirit  fail, 
And  bid  thee  darkly  run  the  race 

Of  Time's  receding  vale, 
With  what  a  doubly  glorious  ray 

His  smile  will  light  the  sky 
Where  ransom'd  souls  rejoicing  lay 

Their  robes  of  mourning  by. 


SEPTEMBER  VII. 

"  Whose  shall  those  thing?  be,  that  thou  hast  provided  1 " 

LuKE,xii:20. 

THOU  hast  a  fair  domain, 

Most  proud  and  princely  halls, 
And  richly  on  the  crystal  pane, 
Through  bowering  foliage  fresh  with  rain, 

The  golden  sunbeam  falls; 
Green  vine-leaves  o'er  thy  grotto  meet 

In  soft  and  fragrant  gloom, 
What  form  shall  fill  thy  favorite  seat 

When  thou  art  in  the  tomb  ? 

The  wealth  of  every  age 

Thou  hast  concentered  here, 
The  ancient  tome,  the  classic  page 
The  wit,  the  poet,  and  the  sage 

All  at  thy  call  appear; 
But  studious  brain  and  vigorous  breast 

To  palsying  Death  must  yield, 
Whose  eye  shall  on  those  volumes  rest 

When  thine  in  dust  is  seal'd  ? 


276  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Thou  lov'st  the  burnish'd  gold, 

The  silver  from  the  mine, 
The  diamond  glittering  pure  and  cold, 
And  hoards,  perchance,  of  gems  untold, 

Do  in  thy  coffers  shine ; 
But  when  affection's  heart  shall  weep 

A  few  brief  tears  for  thee, 
And  thou  on  turf-clad  pillow  sleep, 

Whose  shall  those  treasures  be  ? 

Yet  if  thy  love  to  God,  sincere 

By  love  to  man  was  shown, 
By  pity's  deed,  contrition's  tear, 
Faith  in  a  Saviour's  merits  dear, 

Forgetful  of  thine  own ; 
If  thou  hast  in  time's  casket  laid 

Such  treasures  rich  and  free, 
Beyond  cold  death's  oblivious  shade, 

Look !  they  shall  go  with  thee. 


SEPTEMBER  VIII. 

"  Complete  in  Him." 

COLOSSIANS,  ii :  10. 

WHAT  is  complete  ?     The  mighty  oak 

That  seems  to  mock  at  time, 
And  while  the  race  of  man  decay, 
Still  higher  rears,  with  broader  sway 
Its  canopy  sublime. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOK.  277 

What  is  complete  ?     The  wondrous  ship 

That  from  the  oak  doth  spring, 
And  wisely  steer'd  o'er  adverse  tides, 
Majestic  toward  its  haven  guides, 

As  tho'  'twere  Ocean's  king. 

As  the  firm  tree  that  meets  the  storm 

Unscathed  in  heart  and  limb, 
As  the  strong  ship  its  course  controls, 
Tho'  wild  the  opposing  billow  rolls, 
So  may  the  Saviour  of  our  souls 

Find  us  complete  in  Him. 


SEPTEMBER  IX. 


"The  Lord  turned  the  captivity  of  Job,  when  he  prayed  for  his  friends." 

JOB,  xlii :  10. 


WHILE  on  this  pilgrimage  we  go, 

O'er  valley,  rock,  and  thorn, 
Where  sometimes  wrecking  tempests  blow 

Or  flowers  our  path  adorn, 
If  down  the  crumbling  verge  of  hope 

We  plunge  'mid  whelming  cares, 
Uphold  us  with  your  prayers,  sweet  friends, 

Uphold  us  with  your  prayers. 


278  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

So  shall  you,  in  the  trying  hour 

Of  your  extremest  need, 
Feel  innate  courage  from  the  source 

Whence  all  good  things  proceed, 
And  like  the  stricken  man  of  Uz, 

Find  'neath  the  gloomiest  shade 
His  "own  captivity  was  turn'd 

When  for  his  friends  he  pray'd." 


SEPTEMBER  X. 

"  Perodventure  he  sleepeth,  and  must  be  awaked." 

IST  KINGS,  xviii:  27. 

MY  dull  heart  slept.     Its  panoply  was  off, 

The  festal  hour  had  lulled  it,  and  the  dew, 

Swept  from  the  flowers  of  brief  prosperity, 

Fell  like  an  opiate  on  it.     The  world's  star 

Was  dominant.     And  so  it  coldly  slept, 

Even  in  the  house  of  God.     The  wakeful  ear, 

That  trusty  sentinel,  essayed  in  vain 

To  rouse  its  lethargy.     The  organ  poured 

Such  full,  exulting  melody,  so  claimed 

From  all  the  living,  one  pure  hymn  of  praise, 

That  rapture's  flush  burned  on  the  brightened  cheek. 

Still  on  the  secret  altar  of  the  heart 

No  incense  flowed. 

Sweet  music  sued  in  vain 
At  that  sealed  portal.     Eloquence  sprang  forth, 
From  the  blest  teacher's  lips,  and  in  strong  bands 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  279 

Led  chained  attention,  yet  the  affections  lay 
In  their  dead  trance.     But  lowly  prayer  knelt  down 
Breathing  her  meek  voice  into  mercy's  ear, 
Through  His  dear  name,  who  bought  the  forfeit  soul 
"With  His  own  blood.     Firm  faith's  unearthly  glance, 
And  hope,  bright-winged,  and  saintly  charity, 
Sustained  the  thrilling  cadence,  while  it  bore 
The  sinner  to  his  God.     Then  woke  the  heart, 
And  from  its  trembling  fountain  poured  the  tear, 
Which  penitence  required,  and  humbly  sought 
That  Sabbath  blessing  which  it  else  had  lost. 

So  prayer  prevailed,  when  music,  child  of  Heaven, 

And  hallowed  eloquence,  like  sounding  brass, 
And  tinkling  cymbal,  smote  the  dreaming  soul 
In  vain. 


SEPTEMBER  XL 

"  How  shall  I  bring  the  Ark  of  God  home  ?  " 

IST  CHRONICLES,  xiii 

TURN  thee  to  thine  own  broad  waters, 

Labor  in  thy  native  earth, 
Call  salvation's  sons  and  daughters 

From  the  clime  that  gave  thee  birth, 

Here  are  souls  by  sin  benighted, 

Here  are  evils  to  be  slain, 
"Virtues  in  their  budding  blighted, 

Spirits  bound  in  error's  chain, 


280  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Raise  the  Gospel's  glorious  streamer 
Where  our  western  forests  wave, 

Followers  of  the  blest  Eedeemer 

Serve  Him  'mid  your  fathers'  graves. 


SEPTEMBER   XII. 

"Isaac  went  out   to  meditnte,  at  the  eventide." 

GRAY  Twilight's  shade  to  me  is  dear 
More  than  the  blushing  day, 

Or  noontide  plenitude  of  light, 

Or  sober  certainty  of  night, 
Or  moon  with  silver  ray. 

For  then,  at  scepter'd  Memory's  call, 

Long  buried  years  awake, 
And  tread  in  charmed  circles  back 
With  music,  o'er  a  flowery  track 

Their  ancient  seats  to  take ; 

And  parted  friends,  of  whom  we  say 

In  beds  of  clay  they  rest, 
Bend  meekly  down  from  glory's  sphere, 
And  with  their  angel  smile  or  tear 

Allure  us  to  be  blest. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  281 


SEPTEMBER  XIII. 

"  This  is  not  your  Rest." 

MICAH,  ii:  10. 

WHEN  Heaven's  unerring  pencil  writes  on  every  pilgrim's 

breast, 
.  Its  passport  to  Time's  changeful  shore,  "Zo,  this  is  not  your 

rest," 
Why  build  ye  towers,  ye  fleeting  ones?  why  bowers  of 

fragrance  rear? 
As  if  the  self-deceiving  soul  might  find  its  Eden  here. 

In  vain!  in  vain!  wild  storms  will  rise  and  o'er  your  fabrics 

sweep, 
Yet  when  loud  thunders  wake  the  wave,  and  deep  replies 

to  deep, 
When  in  your  path,  Hope's  broken  prism  doth  shed  its 

parting  ray, 
Spring  up  and  fix  your  tearful  eye  on  undeclining  day. 

If  like  an  ice-bolt  to  the  heart,  frail  Friendship's  altered  eye 
Admits  those  rosy  wreaths  are  dead,  it  promis'd  should  not 

die, 

Lift,  lift  to  an  Eternal  Friend,  the  agonizing  prayer, 
For  souls  that  put  their  trust  in  Him  shall  never  know 

despair. 

If  Fancy,  she  who  bids  young  thought  its  freshest  incense 

bring, 
By  stern  reality  rebuk'd,  should  fold  her  stricken  wing, 

24* 


282  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

There  is  a  brighter,  broader  realm  than  she  has  yet  reveal'd, 
From  flesh-girt  man's  exploring  eye,  and  anxious  ear  con- 
cealed. 

Earth  is  Death's  palace :  to  his  court  he  summons  great  and 
small, 

The  crown'd,  the  homeless,  and  the  slave,  are  but  his  min- 
ions all ; 

We  turn  us  shrinking  from  the  truth,  his  close  pursuit  we 

%i 

But  falter  on  the  grave's  dark  brink  and  lay  us  down  to 
die. 


SEPTEMBER  XIV. 

"  Then,  all  the  disciples  forsook  him,  and  fled." 

MATTHEW,  zxvi:  56. 

FLED?  And  from  whom?     The  Man  of  woe 

Who  at  Gethsemane  had  felt, 
Such  pangs  as  bade  the  blood-drops  flow 

And  the  crushed  heart  with  anguish  melt? 
They  who  were  gathered  round  his  board, 

Partook  his  love,  beheld  his  power, 
Saw  the  sick  healed,  the  dead  restored, 

Failed  they  to  watch  one  fearful  hour? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  283 

All  fled?    Yet  where  was  he  who  laid 

His  head  upon  that  sacred  breast, 
By  Friendship's  holy  ardor  made 

A  cherished,  an  illustrious  guest? 
He  too,  who  walked  with  Christ  the  wave, 

When  the  mad  sea  confessed  his  sway, 
And  strangely  sealed  her  gaping  grave, 

Fled  these  forgetfully  away  ? 

Yes,  all  forsook  their  Master's  side 

When  foes  and  dangers  clustered  round, 
And  when  in  bitterness  he  cried 

'Mid  the  dread  garden's  awful  bound; 
Yet  firm  and  faithful  near  him  stood 

The  host  of  Heaven,  a  guardian  train, 
Deploring  man's  ingratitude, 

And  wondering  at  his  Saviour's  pain. 

Oh  ye !  whose  hearts  in  secret  bleed, 

O'er  transient  hope,  like  morning  dew, 
O'er  friendship  faithless  in  your  need, 

Or  love  to  all  its  vows  untrue, 
Who  shrink  from  persecution's  rod 

Or  slander's  fang,  or  treachery's  tone, 
Turn  meekly  to  the  Son  of  God, 

And  in  His  grief  forget  your  own. 


284  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  XV. 

"  He  took  a  child,  and  set  him  in  the  midst." 

MARK,  ix:  36. 

HE  set  him  in  the  midst,  that  Jewish  child, 
With  his  clear  lustrous  eye,  and  raven  hair, 
A  simple  wonder  on  his  timid  brow, 
Yet  by  the  Saviour's  side  content  to  stand 
If  he  might  only  see  that  holy  smile, 
And  hear  the  Yoice  Divine. 

The  little  child 

Still  standeth  in  our  midst.     A  blessed  love, 
Casting  out  self,  he  bringeth  in  his  hand 
To  the  young  mother,  and  she  so  may  use 
The  ministry  of  this  new  principle, 
That  all  her  cares,  yea,  all  her  pains  shall  work 
A  fitness  in  her  trusting  soul  for  Heaven. 

Oh  gentle  Childhood!  by  a  Saviour  made 

The  Pattern  and  Exemplar  unto  those 

Who  through  this  treacherous  world  would  come  to  Him, 

Sweet  blossom  of  our  being !  be  our  guide, 

That  'mid  the  fever  and  the  dust  of  time, 

Wildered,  and  heavy  shod,  and  sad  at  heart, 

And  travel-worn,  we  may  not  lose  at  last 

Thy  guileless  model  of  the  pure  in  heart, 

Who  shall  see  God. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  285 


SEPTEMBER  XVI. 

"Abide  ye  here,  and  I  will  go  yonder  and  worship." 

GENESIS,  xxii:  5. 

I  WARN  the  worldly  cares  away 
That  seek  to  rule  the  brain, 

And  thus  enforce  their  tyrant  sway 
Of  vanity  and  pain, 

I  say  to  all  that  earth-born  race, 

Abide  ye  here,  below, 
To  worship  in  yon  Holy  Place, 

My  feet  this  day  shall  go, 

And  I  must  wrap  the  robe  of  prayer 

Around  a  lowly  breast, 
And  thus  the  wedding-garment  wear 

That  sanctifies  the  guest, 

And  with  the  cheerfulness  of  hope 
That  from  God's  promise  springs 

Bear  my  oft-drooping  spirit  up, 
As  on  an  eagle's  wings. 

So,  shall  these  Sabbath  hours  that  roll, 

In  duties  calm  and  blest, 
With  seraph-finger  point  the  soul 

To  Heaven's  eternal  rest. 


286  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  XXII. 

"  The  fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away." 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  vii :  31. 

A  ROSE  upon  her  mossy  stem, 

Fair  queen  of  Flora's  gay  domain, 

All  graceful  wore  her  diadem, 

The  brightest  'mid  the  brilliant  train ; 

But  evening  came,  with  frosty  breath, 
And,  ere  the  quick  return  of  day, 

Her  beauties,  in  the  blight  of  death, 
Had  pass'd  away. 

I  saw,  when  morning  gemmed  the  sky, 
A  fair  young  creature  gaily  rove, 

Her  moving  lip  was  melody, 

Her  varying  smile  the  charm  of  love ; 

At  eve  I  came,  but  on  her  bed 

She  drooped,  with  forehead  pale  as  clay, 

"What  dost  thou  here?"  she  faintly  said, 
"Passing  away." 

I  looked  on  manhood's  towering  form 
Like  some  tall  oak  when  tempests  blow, 

That  scorns  the  fury  of  the  storm 
And  strongly  strikes  its  root  below; 

Again  I  looked, — with  idiot  cower 
His  vacant  eyes'  unmeaning  ray 

Told  how  the  mind  of  godlike  power 
May  pass  away. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  287 

0  earth!  no  better  wealth  hast  thou? 

No  balsam  for  the  heart  that  bleeds? 
Fade  all  thy  blossoms  on  their  bough? 

Fail  all  thy  props  like  bruised  reeds? 
The  soul  replied,  "My  hopes  are  wreath'd 

Around  the  bowers  of  changeless  day, 
Where  angel  tones  have  never  breath'd, 
'Passing  away.'" 


SEPTEMBER  XXIII. 

"The  way  of  transgressors  is  hard." 

PROVCRBS,  xiii:  15. 

IN  vain  the  heart  that  goes  astray, 
From  virtue's  seraph-guarded  way, 
May  hope  that  feelings  just  and  free, 
Meek  peace,  or  firm  integrity, 
Or  innocence  with  snowy  vest, 
Will  condescend  to  be  its  guest. 

As  soon  within  the  viper's  cell, 

Might  pure  and  white- winged  spirits  dwell, 
As  soon  the  flame  of  quenchless  gleam 
Glow  in  the  chill  and  turbid  stream  : 
For  by  strong  links  a  secret  chain 
Connects  our  wanderings  with  our  pain, 
And  Heaven  ordains  it  thus,  to  show 
TJiat  bands  of  vice  are  bonds  of  woe. 


288  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  XIX. 

'At  even,  when  the  sun  did  set,  they  brought  unto  him  all  that  were  diaensed." 

MARK,  i:  32. 

JUDEA'S  summer-day  went  down, 

And  lo !  from  vale  and  plain 
Around  the  heavenly  Healer  throng'd 

A  sick  and  sorrowing  train. 

The  pallid  brow,  the  hectic  cheek, 

The  cripple  bow'd  with  care, 
And  he  whose  soul  dark  demons  lash'd 

To  foaming  rage  were  there. 

He  raised  his  hand,  the  lame  man  leap'd, 

The  blind  forgot  their  woe, 
And  with  a  startling  rapture  gaz'd 

On  Nature's  glorious  show. 

Up  from  his  bed  of  torpor  rose 

The  paralytic  pale, 
While  the  loath'd  leper  dar'd  once  more 

His  fellow-man  to  hail. 

The  lunatic's  distorted  brow, 
With  smiles  of  love  o'erspread, 

Eejoic'd  the  household  band  that  long 
Had  trembled  at  his  tread. 

The  mother  to  her  idiot  boy 

The  name  of  Jesus  taught, 
Who  thus  with  sudden  touch  impell'd 

The  chaos  of  his  thought. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  289 

Yes,  all  that  sad,  imploring  train 

He  healed,  ere  evening  fell, 
And  speechless  joy  was  born  that  night 

In  many  a  lonely  cell. 

Ere  evening  fell?    Oh  ye,  who  find 

The  chills  of  age  descend, 
And  with  the  luster  of  your  locks 

The  almond  blossoms  blend, 

Haste,  ere  the  darkening  shades  of  night 

Have  every  hope  bereaved, 
Nor  leave  the  safety  of  the  soul 

Unstudied,  unachieved. 


SEPTEMBER  XX. 

"The  City  lieth  four-square." 

REVELATIONS,  xxi:  16. 

SYMMETRICAL,  and  of  proportions  vast, 
Magnificent,  and  robed  in  glorious  light, 
Like  gold  and  jasper  through  a  crystal  stone, 
Was  that  Celestial  City  seen  of  old 
By  him  of  Patmos,  and  with  pen  sublime 
Sketch'd  on  a  page  inspired. 

We  may  not  soar 

Like  him,  on  wing  of  mystery  and  might ; 
Yet  searching  at  the  threshold,  hope  to  find 
Symbol  or  tablet,  such  as  wisdom  gives. 
She  bids  us  build  our  Christian  character 

25 


290  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

On  the  same  model,  firm,  consistent,  strong, 
Four-square,  cemented  well  in  every  part, 
The  mind,  the  heart,  the  conscience,  and  the  soul, 
Knowledge,  and  truth,  and  love,  and  fear  of  God : 
A  solid  edifice,  whose  topmost  stone 
Heaven's  grace  shall  crown. 


SEPTEMBER  XXI. 

"  See  that  ye  love  one  another,  with  a  pure  heart,  fervently." 

IST  PETKR,  i:  23. 

LOVE  marks  the  born  of  God, 
Love  moves  the  seraph-train, 

Love  is  the  key-tone  of  the  song 
That  fills  the  heavenly  plain. 

Kindle  it  here  on  earth 

And  let  its  fervor  glow 
Toward  Him  who  is  its  purest  Source 

'Mid  all  His  works  below. 

It  bindeth  to  His  Throne 

With  strong,  electric  chain, 
How  can  ye  be  shut  out  of  Heaven 

If  Love  within  you  reign? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  291 


SEPTEMBER  XXII. 

"Godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain." 

IST  TIJIOTHY,  vi:  6. 

THINK'ST  thou  the  steed  that  restless  roves 
O'er  rocks  and  mountains,  fields  and  groves, 

With  wild,  unbridled  bound, 
Finds  fresher  pasture  than  the  bee, 
On  thymy  bank,  or  vernal  tree, 
Intent  to  store  her  industry, 

Within  her  waxen  round? 

Think' st  thou  the  fountain  forc'd  to  turn 
Thro'  marble  vase,  or  sculptur'd  urn, 

Affords  a  sweeter  draught, 
Than  that  which  in  its  native  sphere, 
Perennial,  undisturb'd,  and  clear, 
Flows,  the  lone  traveler's  thirst  to  cheer, 

And  wake  his  grateful  thought? 

Think'st  thou  the  man  whose  mansions  hold 
The  worldling's  pomp  and  miser's  gold, 

Obtains  a  richer  prize, 
Than  he  who  in  his  cot  at  rest, 
Finds  heavenly  peace,  a  willing  guest, 
And  bears  the  promise  in  his  breast 

Of  treasure  in  the  skies? 


292  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  XXIII. 

"Ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  soul*." 

MATTH«w,xi:  29. 

BEST,  in  this  world  of  toil  ? 

Where  still  from  sun  to  sun 
The  busy  hand  its  work  pursues, 

Yet  finds  it  never  done  ? 

Rest,  where  the  weary  foot 

Its  tread-mill  labor  plies  ? 
Rest,  for  the  plodding,  thinking  brain, 

Whence  needful  slumber  flies  ? 

Rest,  for  the  bleeding  heart, 

On  thousand  spear-points  toss'd, 

Whose  plants  of  healing  and  of  hope 
Feel  oft  untimely  frost? 

Rest,  while  Diseases  watch 

To  snatch  this  fleeting  breath  ? 

Rest,  on  this  slippery  verge  of  time 
That  crumbles  into  death  ? 

Yes,  there  is  rest  even  here 

For  the  immortal  soul 
That  in  humility  and  love 

Doth  yield  to  God's  control, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  293 

That  coming  unto  Him 

For  courage  to  endure, 
Shall  find  in  every  time  of  need, 

His  blessed  promise  sure. 


SEPTEMBER  XXIV. 

"  Examine  yourselves." 

2ND  CORINTHUSS,  xiii:  5. 

SEEK  not  of  man  with  light  applause  to  pay 
The  priceless  guerdon  of  a  well-spent  day, 
Wait  not  for  him  to  weigh  the  generous  deed, 
But  spread  the  scroll,  and  bid  thy  Conscience  read. 

Then  as  each  hour  her  strict  review  sustains 

Of  all  its  motives,  energies,  or  gains, 

Regard  that  Judging  Power  with  earnest  eye 

Who  scans  so  sternly  as  the  thoughts  pass  by, 

And  if  She  smile,  receive  the  rapturous  meed 

And  thank  the  Author  of  each  upright  deed, 

Yield  with  sweet  prayer  to  slumber's  gentle  sway, 

For  He  shall  guard  the  night,  who  deign'd  to  bless  the  day. 

25* 


294  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  XXV. 

"Take  heed,— and  be  quiet." 

ISAIAH,  vii:  4. 

HEARKEN,  Oh  king  of  Judah,  'mid  thy  fear ! 
War,  and  its  tidings  vex  him.     Syria  comes, 
Confederate  with  Ephraim, — 'gainst  his  realm, 
Brother  and  foe  join  hands,  intent  to  waste 
The  house  of  David.     See,  his  heart  is  mov'd, 
And  that  of  all  his  people,  as  the  trees 
Bend  in  the  forest  'neath  a  mighty  wind. 

Enwrapp'd  in  majesty  of  soul  serene, 

Comes  forth  the  eloquent  seer.    Lo,  there  he  stands 

Just  by  the  conduit  of  the  upper  pool, 

To  meet  the  troubled  monarch,  and  recount 

The  message  of  the  Lord.     "Hearken, — he  cries 

Unto  king  Ahaz,  "Fear  not, — yet  take  heed, — 

And  be  thou  quiet." 

Blessed  words  are  these, 
Of  guidance  to  the  wanderer  on  his  course, 
In  every  age.     Not  with  a  soul  supine, 
Drifting  along  in  careless  jollity, 
Nor  yet  with  arrogance  or  lassitude, 
Oh,  Christian  pilgrim,  hold  thy  way  on  earth, 
But  ever  with  bright  lamp  and  girded  loins, 
Of  sin,  of  folly,  and  their  snares  take  heed, 
Take  earnest  heed. 

Yet,  when  thy  best  is  done, 
Still,  be  thou  quiet,  for  Jehovah  reigns. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  295 


SEPTEMBER  XXVI. 

"  On  thee  do  I  wait  nil  the  day." 

PSALMS,  xxv :  5. 

SEE,  dawn  amid  the  mountains 

Unfold  her  pinions  gray, 
While  in  Aurora's  cradle 

Awakes  the  new-born  day ; 
A  gift  of  boundless  mercy, 

Our  upward  course  to  aid, 
To  where  there  shall  be  night  no  more, 

Nor  twilight's  gathering  shade. 

Gird  on  the  Christian  armor 

That  bright  as  gold  doth  glow, 
For  wheresoe'er  the  day  shall  lead 

'Twill  brighten  as  we  go ; 
Even  should  a  storm  portentous 

Enwrap  the  sky  in  woe, 
Say,  "the  Sun  shines  above  the  cloud, 

And  soon  will  shine  below." 

If  from  thy  forehead  falleth 

Some  wreath  by  fancy  wove, 
Some  leaflet  of  ambition 

Or  budding  rose  of  love, 
Reign  the  borrowed  treasure 

Which  never  was  thine  own, 
Without  a  murmur  in  thy  heart, 

Or  one  repining  tone. 


296  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Should  deeper  sorrow  meet  thee, 

For  lo !  it  comes  to  all, 
And  "Mene,  Mene,  Tekel,"  write, 

Upon  thy  palace- wall, 
Or  in  the  guarded  nursery 

Where  thy  soul's  jewels  rest, 
Blame  not  a  Father's  discipline, 

He  knoweth  what  is  best. 

If  solemn  Death  should  warn  thee 

Before  this  closing  day, 
Bid  sweet  farewell  to  things  of  earth, 

And  calmly  pass  away; 
Yea,  smile  with  angel  triumph 

The  parting  friend  to  cheer, 
Thou  hast  the  pass- word  of  Heaven's  gate, 

Go  forth  without  a  fear. 


SEPTEMBER  XXVII. 

"I  change  not." 

MAI.ACIII,  iii:  6. 

MAN  changeth :  his  delightful  morn 

A  transient  glory  lends, 
His  temples  take  the  tint  of  time, 

And  o'er  his  staff  he  bends ; 
Hope  casts  the  garland  from  her  brow, 

Her  torches  cease  to  burn, 
And  beauty  spreads  a  parting  wing, 
Not  to  return. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  297 

Power,  o'er  a  broken  scepter  weeps, 

Far  from  his  throne  he  flies, 
The  princely  heir  doth  pine  for  bread, 

Or  in  a  hovel  dies ; 
Love  hath  its  pain,  as  well  as  smile, 

Even  like  an  April  day, 
And  when  triumphant  in  its  wile, 
Hastes  quick  away. 

Earth  changes  too,  as  round  and  round 

Her  glowing  axle  turns, 
Her  mountains  sink,  her  mole-hills  rise, 

Her  heart  volcanic  burns ; 
But  God,  her  Maker,  He  who  reigns 

O'er  all  creation's  range, 
Is  firm,  immoveable,  serene, 

He  can  not  change. 


SEPTEMBER  XXVIII. 

'For  they  that  «ay  such  things,  declare  plainly  that  they  seek  a  country." 

HEBREWS,  xi:  14. 

I  HEAR  the  rising  tempest  moan, 
My  failing  limbs  have  weary  grown; 
The  flowers  are  shut,  the  streams  are  dried, 
The  arid  sands  spread  drear  and  wide, 
The  night-dews  fall,  the  winds  are  high, 
How  far  from  home,  0  Lord,  am  I  ? 


298  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

I  would  not  come  with  hoards  of  gold, 

With  glittering  gems  or  cumbrous  mold, 

Nor  dim  my  sight  with  gather'd  dust 

Of  empty  fame  or  earthly  trust, 

But  hourly  ask,  as  lone  I  roam, 

How  far  from  home  ?  how  far  from  home  ? 

Not  far  I  not  far !  the  way  is  dark, 
Fair  hope  hath  quench'd  her  glow-worm  spark 
The  trees  are  dead  beneath  whose  shade 
My  youth  reclined,  my  childhood  play'd ; 
Red  lightning  streaks  the  troubled  sky, 
How  far  from  home,  my  God,  am  I  ? 

Oh,  find  me  in  that  home  a  place 
Beneath  the  footstool  of  thy  grace, 
Though  sometimes  on  the  husks  I  fed, 
And  turn'd  me  from  the  children's  bread, 
Still  bid  thine  angel-harps  resound, 
The  dead  doth  live,  the  lost  is  found. 

Beach  forth  thy  hand  with  pitying  care, 
And  guide  me  through  the  latest  snare ; 
Methinks,  even  now,  in  bursting  beams, 
The  radiance  from  thy  casement  streams, 
No  more  I  shed  the  pilgrim  tear, 
I  hear  thy  voice,  my  home  is  near. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  299 


SEPTEMBER  XXIX. 

"If  ye  loved  me,  ye  would  rejoice,  because  I  »aid,  I  go  unto  the  Father." 

ST.  JOHN,  xi\ 

SMILE  on  the  dying  friend, 

Uplift  the  tuneful  hymn, 
Gird  him  with  words  of  prayerful  trust 

When  the  fixed  eye  grows  dim, 
Control  the  bitter  pang, 

The  gushing  tear  restrain, 
Nor  cast  thy  selfish  grief  on  him 

Who  strives  with  mortal  pain. 

Why  should  thy  wailing  cry 

The  ascending  saint  detain  ? 
Keen  anguish  on  the  brow  it  loved 

Might  the  glad  spirit  chain: 
Why  wouldst  thou  on  the  verge 

Of  this  distressful  state, 
Hold  back  the  traveler  to  the  skies, 

For  whom  the  angels  wait? 

But  when  the  rescued  soul 

Hath  winged  its  wondrous  way, 
When  the  keen  thrilling  nerves  no  more 

Disturb  the  peaceful  clay, 
Release  thy  struggling  tears, 

So  long  in  durance  kept, 
Let  nature's  grief-swollen  current  flow, 

Remembering,  Jesus  wept. 


300  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


SEPTEMBER  XXX. 

"  I  looked,  and  behold,  a  door  was  opened  ir 


RE\ 


IT  seemed  not  as  a  dream,  and  yet  I  stood 

Beside  Heaven's  gate.     Its  mighty  valves  were  loosed, 

And  upward,  from  earth's  tribulation,  came 

A  soul,  whose  passport,  signed  in  Calvary's  blood, 

Prevailed.     Around  the  golden  threshold's  verge 

I  saw  the  dazzling  of  celestial  wings, 

Thronging  to  welcome  it.     The  towering  form 

Of  an  archangel  bore  it  company 

Up  to  God's  throne.     Soft  on  my  ear  their  tones, 

Serenely  wafted  by  ambrosial  gales, 

Fell  like  rich  music. 

"  Wherefore  didst  thou  pass 
Weeping  along  thy  pilgrimage?  inquired 
The  sinless  seraph?" 

"Thorns  beset  my  path. 

I  sought  and  found  not.     I  obtained  and  mourned. 
I  loved  and  lost.     Ingratitude  and  Hate 
Did  whet  their  serpent-tooth  upon  my  fame. 
My  wealth  took  wing.     I  planted  seeds  of  bliss, 
And  sorrow  blossomed." 

But  the  risen  from  earth 
Faltered  to  mark  that  high  archangel's  glance, 
Darken  with  strong  surprise,  as  though  it  asked, 
"Had  thy  felicity  no  deeper  root, 
Thou  sky-born  soul,  for  whom  the  Son  of  God 
Bowed  to  be  crucified?" 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  301 

So  when  I  saw, 

Or  dreamed  I  saw,  that  even  in  Heaven  might  dwell 
Eeproof  and  penitence,  I  prayed  to  look 
Ever  upon  that  flood  of  light  which  gilds 
Each  morning  with  its  mercy,  and  whose  beams 
Are  brightened  every  moment,  and  to  bear 
God's  discipline  with  gladness ; — that  no  tear 
For  trials  lost  be  shed  beyond  the  grave. 

26 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  305 


OCTOBER  I. 

"  He  that  maketh  haste  to  be  rich,  shall  not  be  innocent." 

PROVERBS,  xxviii:  20. 

WHY  ?     King  of  Israel,  why  ? 

This  span  of  time 

Which  God  did  give  to  buy  Eternity, 
Man  selleth  unto  gold,  and  is  a  slave. 
The  sweet  affections  of  his  heart  grow  stern, 
And  when  the  poor  complain,  he  will  not  hear. 
He  maketh  haste  and  casteth  overboard 
Whate'er  impedes  his  voyage  to  the  realm 
Where  rich  men  dwell, — all  rest  of  Sabbath  hours, 
All  hesitance  of  honesty,  perchance 
Doth  plunge  his  honor  in  an  inky  pool, 
And  gain  the  fraud-blot  that  is  never  cleans'd. 
Yea,  he  deviseth  evil  for  his  heirs, 
Chaining  their  purposes  of  industry, 
And  making  them  a  mark  for  tempters'  wiles, 
Or  knaves  to  shoot  at.     These  are  reasons  why 
That  they  who  madly  hasten  to  be  rich, 
Shall  not  be  innocent. 

So,  when  I  heard 

Such  words  from  Solomon,  I  raised  my  heart 
In  praise  to  God,  that  he  had  kept  me  safe 
From  wildering  torrents  of  prosperity. 
26* 


306  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  II. 

"A«  an  eagle  stirreth  up  her  nest,  fluttereth  over  her  young,  spreadeth  abroad  her  wings, 
taketh  and  beareth  them  on  her  wings."  DBUTBROXOMY,  xxxii :  11. 

'TWAS  noontide,  and  the  eagle  bird 

On  steady  wing,  and  slow, 
With  ardent  eye  and  heaving  breast 

Allured  her  young  below. 

While  they,  with  pinions  feebly  spread, 

In  narrow  circles  vied, 
Until  with  nobler  courage  filled 

They  ventured  near  her  side, 

Then  mounting  still,  in  spiral  course, 
With  strength  sublime  they  flew, 

And  soaring  toward  the  king  of  day 
Were  lost  in  ether  blue. 

And  as  I  watch'd  their  upward  course 

There  rose  a  quicken'd  prayer 
For  those  who  hold  the  immortal  soul 

Within  their  guardian  care. 

Oh,  Christian  mother,  never  cease 

Beside  the  cradle  nest, 
At  every  waking  morn  to  point 

To  regions  of  the  blest, 

And  still,  with  undeclining  zeal, 

Embalm  each  evening  hour, 
As  steals  the  dew-drop  to  the  heart 

Of  the  unfolding  flower, 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  307 

Nor  shrink  above  yon  cloud- wrapp'd  hills 

To  lead  thy  nursling's  way, 
Lest  the  young  eaglets'  heavenward  flight 

Reprove  thine  own  delay. 


OCTOBER  III. 

"  In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the  Sun." 

PSALMS,  six:  4. 

BRIGHT  Clouds !     Ye  are  gathering  one  by  one, 
Ye  are  sweeping  in  pomp  round  the  dying  sun, 
With  crimson  banner,  and  golden  pall, 
Like  a  host  to  their  chieftain's  funeral ; 
Perchance  ye  tread  to  that  hallowed  spot, 
With  a  muffled  dirge,  though  we  hear  it  not. 

But  methinks  ye  tower  with  a  lordlier  crest, 

And  a  richer  robe  as  he  sinks  to  rest ; 

Not  thus,  in  the  day  of  his  pride  and  wrath, 

Did  ye  dare  to  press  on  his  glorious  path, 

At  his  noontide  glance  ye  have  quaked  with  fear, 

And  hastened  to  hide  in  your  misty  sphere. 

Do  you  say  he  is  dead?     Ye  exult  in  vain, 
With  your  rainbow  tints  and  your  swelling  train : 
He  shall  rise  again  with  his  strong,  bright  ray, 
He  shall  reign  with  power  when  you  fade  away, 
When  you  darkly  cower  in  your  vapory  hall, 
Fruitless,  and  naked,  and  noteless  all. 


308  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 

The  Soul!  the  Soul!  with  its  eye  of  fire, 
Thus,  thus  shall  it  soar  when  its  foes  expire, 
It  shall  spread  its  wing  o'er  the  ills  that  pained, 
The  evils  that  shadowed,  the  sins  that  stained, 
It  shall  dwell  where  no  rushing  cloud  hath  sway, 
And  the  pageants  of  earth  shall  have  melted  away. 


OCTOBER  IV. 

"  I  urn  not  ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ." 

ROMANS,  i:  1C. 

Xo,  not  ashamed !     How  should  we  be 
Of  that  which  is  our  glory  ? 

Of  that  which  draws  the  line  between 
Christian  and  heathen  story? 

Destroys  the  idol  and  the  rites 
That  plunge  mankind  in  madness, 

And  gilds  the  midnight  of  the  grave 
"With  hope's  exulting  gladness? 

Uplifts  the  mourner,  ere  he  sinks 

In  unavailing  sorrow, 
And  bids  him  from  the  life  to  come 

Consoling  balm  to  borrow  ? 

Ashamed  of  Thee  ?     Our  blessed  Lord  I 

The  thought  is  profanation, 
What  should  we  do  without  Thine  aid 

In  death  and  desolation  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  309 

Ah !  whither  turn,  if  when  the  flames 

Of  judgment  glow  around  us, 
Thou  with  the  words,  "I know  ye  not" 

Shouldst  ever  more  confound  us? 


OCTOBER  Y. 

"Wherefore,  comfort  one  another,  with  these  words." 

IST  THESSALONUNS,  iv:  18. 

YON  pilgrim  see,  in  vestments  gray, 
"Whose  bleeding  feet  bedew  the  way, 
O'er  arid  sands,  with  want  opprest, 
Who  toiling,  knows  no  place  of  rest : 
Mourn  ye,  because  the  long-sought  shrine 
He  clasps  in  ecstacy  divine, 
And  lays  his  load  of  sin  and  gloom 
Eepentant  on  a  Saviour's  tomb  ? 

Behold,  yon  ship,  with  wrecking  form, 

Her  proud  masts  quivering  to  the  storm, 
Eude  winds  and  waves,  with  headlong  force, 
Impel  her  on  her  dangerous  course, 
The  pallid  crew  their  hope  resign, 
And  powerless  view  the  surging  brine : 
Mourn  ye  because  the  tempest  dies, 
And  in  the  haven  moored  she  lies  ? 

Emerging  from  the  field  of  strife 

Where  slaughter'd  thousands  waste  their  life, 
Yon  warrior  see,  with  gushing  veins, 
Who  scarce  his  frantic  steed  restrains ; 


310  DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 

The  death-mist  swims  before  his  eyes 
As  toward  the  well-known  spot  he  flies, 
Where  every  fond  affection  lies. 
Mourn  ye,  because  to  home  restor'd, 
"Woman's  white  arms  enwrap  her  lord, 
And  tears  and  smiles,  with  varying  grace, 
Fleet  o'er  his  cherub  children's  face  ? 

Yet  on  his  path  of  toil  and  woe, 

The  pilgrim  from  his  shrine  must  go, 

The  ship  amid  the  billows  strain, 

The  warrior  seek  the  war  again : 

But  he,  whose  form  to  death  has  bow'd, 

Whose  spirit  cleaves  the  ethereal  cloud, 

From  him  hath  change  and  sorrow  fled, 

Why  mourn  ye,  then,  the  righteous  dead  ? 


OCTOBER  VI. 

"  He  rolled  a  stone  unto  the  door  of  the  sepulcher." 

MARK,  xv :  4(1. 

WHAT  if  he  did? 

The  massy  stone,  that  taxed 
His  utmost  strength  to  heave,  and  seem'd  to  seal 
The  sepulcher  securely, — look !  behold ! 
The  Angel's  finger  touch'd  it,  and  it  moved 
Light  as  the  wing  of  gossamer  away. 
He  roll'd  the  stone,  and  deemed  his  work  was  done. 
So,  still  it  is  with  man. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  311 

He  thinks  to  guard 

His  earthly  treasures  well.     He  turns  the  key 
Upon  his  garner'd  knowledge,  gain'd  with  toil, 
But  Memory  picks  the  lock  and  glides  away ; 
And  when  he  cometh,  lo !  a  rifled  cell, 
Strew'd  o'er  with  glittering  fragments,  and  the  walls 
Hung  with  the  mocking  spider's  tapestry. 
He  saith  to  Love,  "Stay  here!"  and  it  is  gone. 
And  where's  the  wealth  he  nightly  gloated  o'er, 
Like  some  cold  Alpine  cliff,  hoarding  the  snows 
It  well  might  give  to  swell  the  trickling  streams, 
Yet  have  enough  ? 

We  can  not  tell  you  where. 
Perchance  the  flames,  or  wrecking  billows  may. 

Roll  ye  no  stone  against  the  Christian's  faith 
Ye  who  exult  in  ridicule  and  pride; 
For  though  ye  call  it  dead,  behold  it  lives, 
Though  buried  it  shall  rise.     Death  and  the  Grave 
Vanquish  it  not.     Tho'  an  infuriate  throng 
Crush  it  in  blood,  like  Stephen  shall  it  see 
Heaven  open'd,  and  the  Saviour  whom  it  loves 
Standing  at  God's  right  hand. 


312  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  VII. 

"Woe  unto  you." 

MATTHEW,  xxiii:  J3. 

VCE  vobis*  ye  who  fail  to  read 

The  name  that  shines  where'er  you  tread, 
The  Alpha  of  our  infant  creed 

The  Omega  of  the  sainted  dead, 
That  glows  where'er  the  pencil'd  flowers 

Their  tablet  in  the  desert  show, 
"Where'er  the  mountain's  rocky  towers 

Frown  darkly  on  the  vale  below : 

Where  roll  the  wondrous  orbs  on  high 

In  glorious  order,  strong  and  fair, 
In  every  letter  of  the  sky 

That  midnight  writes,  behold  'tis  there, 
'Tis  grav'd  on  Ocean's  furrow'd  brow 

And  on  the  shell  that  gems  his  shore, 
And  where  the  solemn  forests  bow, 

"Fee  vobiSj  ye,  who  scorn  the  lore. 

Vce  vobis,  all  who  trust  on  earth, 

Who  lean  on  reeds  that  pierce  the  breast, 
Who  toss  the  bubble-cup  of  mirth, 

Or  grasp  ambition's  storm- wreathed  crest, 
Who  early  rise,  and  late  take  rest, 

In  Mammon's  mine,  the  care-worn  slave, 
Who  find  each  phantom-race  unblest, 

Yet  shrink  reluctant  from  the  grave. 

*  "Woe  unto  you. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  313 


OCTOBER  VIII. 

'  What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ?   and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ?  " 

PSALMS,  viii:  4. 

WHEN  on  yon  vaulted  heavens  I  look, 
That  noblest  page  in  Nature's  book, 
Where  moons  their  changeful  courses  hold, 
And  stars  ride  forth  on  cars  of  gold, 
Lord,  what  is  man,  that  from  above 
Thou  deign'st  to  visit  him  with  love, 
And  kindly  place  him  just  below 
The  angel-guards  that  round  thee  glow? 
Thou  giv'st  him  power  to  rule  the  train 
That  glide  within  the  unfathomed  main, 
And  those  that  spread  the  radiant  wing 
And  'mid  the  fields  of  ether  sing, 
And  those  that  roam  the  varied  earth, 
Of  gentle  kind,  or  savage  birth. 
Yet  what  is  he,  frail  child  of  clay, 
Who  boasts  o'er  fleeting  earth  the  sway, 
Himself  the  being  of  a  day? 
Still  like  the  rapid  shuttle's  flight 
Eeceding  from  the  gazer's  sight, 
That  Thou,  whom  myriad  hosts  obey, 

Around  Thy  Throne  above, 
Should'st  thus  regard  his  noteless  way, 

And  visit  him  with  love? 


314  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  IX. 

"  My  days  are  la  a  hand  -breadth." 

PSALMS,  xxxix:  5. 

SCARCE  a  moment  have  we  here, 
For  the  sigh,  the  smile,  the  tear, 
For  the  planting  of  our  joys, 
For  the  gilding  of  our  toys, 
For  the  rearing  deep  and  wide, 
Mansions  of  our  power  and  pride, 
Yet  our  busy  thoughts  devise, 

Yet  our  roving  steps  pursue, 
Yisions  tho'  our  dazzled  eyes 

Grow  bewildered  with  the  view. 

Brittle  hour-glass  of  a  day, 
How  we  shake  its  sands  away, 
How  our  hand-breadth  span  we  waste, 
In  the  madness  of  our  haste, 
With  the  dancing  of  the  earth, 
With  its  follies  and  its  mirth ; 
Children  are  we  here,  of  Time 

Nor  that  future  life  can  see, 
Where  Eternity  sublime 

Must  our  awful  Parent  be. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  315 


OCTOBER  X. 

"  Being  dead,  yet  speaketh." 

HEBREWS,  xi:  4. 

OH,  spirits  of  the  viewless  dead, 

If  naught  within  this  sphere  of  pain 

May  hope  to  lure  your  backward  tread 
To  earth's  fond  intercourse  again, 

Bend  down,  and  teach  us  not  to  mourn, 
Unfold  the  radiant  wing,  and  show 

How  at  one  rush  the  nerves  were  torn, 
That  bind  so  close  to  things  below, 

Press  on  the  soften'd  heart,  how  brief 
Is  its  own  stay  'mid  faded  flowers, 

And  raise  it  from  the  withering  grief 

That  fain  would  waste  its  number'd  hours. 

Still,  spirits  of  the  viewless  dead, 
That  erst  with  us  held  converse  dear, 

Bright  o'er  our  souls  Heaven's  sunbeam  shed, 
And  gently  quell  the  bursting  tear. 


316  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  XI. 

"  In  the  morning,  then,  ye  shall  see  the  glory  of  the  Lord." 

EXODUS,  xvi :  7. 

OH,  fill  thyself  with  beauty,  and  be  glad, 
Thou,  who  dost  see  God  walking  every  where 
Among  the  cedar-tops  and  on  the  mists 
That  herald  the  sun-rising. 

Cloud  on  cloud 

Sweep  o'er  the  concave,  like  an  angel-host 
To  do  His  bidding.     Thro'  their  cloven  ranks 
Looks  forth  the  faint  blue  of  the  firmament, 
Trembling  and  unassured.     The  sacred  spires 
Go  boldly  up  to  meet  it.     Here  and  there, 
The  cross  that  crowns  them,  wins  a  holy  ray 
That  shuns  the  world  below. 

'Neath  quiet  roofs 

Still  sleep  the  people.     Heaven  be  with  you  all, 
Brethren  and  sisters,  offspring  of  one  Sire, 
In  whose  great  love,  we  live  and  move  and  hold 
This  hopeful  being.     Ere  the  morn  shall  rise 
To  bathe  in  glory  every  mountain-top, 
He  keepeth  watch  o'er  all. 

The  new-born  babe 

That  hath  no  power  to  stretch  its  hand,  is  strong 
In  His  protection.     Consecrate  to  Him 
The  waking  thought,  and  let  it  clearly  bear 
His  image  walking  with  us  through  the  day 
So  Earth  shall  be  as  Eden. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOB.  317 


OCTOBER  XII. 

"  They  despised  the  Pleasant  Land." 

PSALMS,  cvi :  24. 

THE  adventurous  vessel,  whose  sails  unfurl'd 
To  pierce  the  veil  of  this  Western  World, 
Joy'd  as  it  near'd  that  unknown  shore 
At  the  floating  plants  that  the  billows  bore : 
Even  thus  may  we  trace  on  the  sea  of  time 
Branches  and  wreaths  from  an  unseen  clime, 
A  fragrance  that  flows  from  a  glorious  strand, 
Despise  not  the  breath  of  the  Pleasant  Land. 

Birds  of  bright  plumage  and  tuneful  note 

Hover'd  around  the  explorer's  boat, 

With  greetings  fair,  and  a  truthful  test, 

That  their  perils  were  o'er  and  their  labor  blest : 

So,  breaks  on  the  soul  as  its  haven  draws  near, 

The  song  of  the  angels  in  melody  clear: 

Oh !  list  to  the  strains  of  that  white-wing'd  band, 

Despise  not  the  voice  of  the  Pleasant  Land. 


OCTOBER  XIII. 

"  When  he  is  old,  he  will  not  depart  from  it." 

PROVERBS,  xxii:  6. 

MAKE  bright  the  hearth  where  children  throng 

In  innocence  and  glee, 
With  smiles  of  love,  the  caroled  song, 

The  spirit's  harmony, 


318  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  healthful  sports  the  cheek  that  flush, 

The  mother's  fond  caress, 
Nor  let  the  stateliest  father  blush 

His  merry  boy  to  bless.. 

For  far  adown  the  vale  of  life 

When  he  his  lot  shall  bear, 
That  hallowed  gleam  shall  cheer  the  strife 

And  gild  the  clouds  of  care, 

If  midnight  storms  and  breakers  roar, 

Its  treasured  spell  shall  be 
A  lighthouse  'mid  the  wrecking  shore, 

The  star  of  memory, 

Shall  warn  him,  when  the  syren's  wiles 

His  faltering  feet  entice ; 
Make  bright  the  hearth  where  childhood  smiles, 

And  guard  the  man  from  vice 


OCTOBER   XIV. 

"  In  their  mouth  was  found  no  guile." 

REVBLATION,  xiv:  5. 

FOETH,  as  the  buds  of  Spring  they  come, 
Around  our  hearts  they  twine, 

With  all  their  growing,  winning  charms, 
Like  tendrils  of  the  vine, 

Yet  oft,  while  in  their  cloudless  joy 

They  feel  the  morning  ray, 
And  feed  upon  the  dews  of  love, 

They  fleet  like  dews  away. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  319 

Soft  lisping  tones  were  on  their  lip, 

Affliction's  tenderest  wile, 
The  earnest  wish,  the  cherished  name, 

But  not  the  words  of  guile. 

So,  all  unharmed  by  falsehood's  snares 

That  haunt  our  earthly  race, 
Before  the  great  white  Throne  they  stand 

And  see  our  Father's  face, 

And  in  His  temple,  day  and  night 

Do  serve  him,  void  of  fear, 
Oh !  let  the  memory  of  their  bliss 

Stay  the  repining  tear. 


OCTOBER  XV. 

"The  bush  burned,  and  was  not  consumed." 

EXODUS,  iii :  2. 

BURNING,  yet  not  consumed.     Oh  brilliant  Tree! 

Hath  Frost  thy  veins  with  fires  of  fever  fed  ? 
Or  hectic  mark'd  thee  for  its  ministry? 

The  blood  of  martyrdom  is  on  thy  head 
And  mournful  garb,  methinks,  would  suit  thee  best; 

Yet  dost  thou  choose  to  flaunt  in  rich  array, 
More  than  when  Spring  thy  budding  beauties  drest, 

Or  all  thy  pamper'd  leaves  at  Summer's  day 
Each  with  a  pearl-drop  hoarded  daintily 

Did  to  the  idle  breeze  exulting  boast 
Its  wealth  would  last  forever.     Gorgeous  Tree ! 

Proud  of  thy  beauty  'mid  the  admiring  host, 
Lo !  winter's  poverty  is  at  thy  door 
While  thou  dost  lavish  charms  that  shall  return  no  more. 


320  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  XVI. 

"Commune  with  your  own  heart,  upon  your  bed" 

PSALMS,  iv:  4. 

I  SAW  the  curtains  faintly  gleam 

At  midnight,  round  my  bed, 
As  in  that  still  and  wakeful  hour 

Unto  my  heart,  I  said, 
"When  will  that  time  of  rest  arrive 

Which  God  hath  promised  ? 

For,  day  by  day,  with  toil  and  care 

'Mid  countless  foes  we  strive, 
Or  swept  by  tempests,  scarcely  keep 

The  spark  of  hope  alive, 
Ah  !  when  will  that  appointed  time 

Of  tranquil  rest  arrive  ?  " 

Then  through  my  startled  heart,  methought, 
There  came  an  answering  tone, 

As  if  some  blessed  Angel  spake 
From  his  celestial  Throne, 

"God's  every  task  is  beautiful, 
Make  thou  His  will,  thine  own." 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  321 


OCTOBER  XVII. 

"  And  he  tent  forth  a  raven,  which  went  to  and  fro." 

GENESIS,  viii:  7. 

OH  Eaven  of  the  Deluge !  whose  lone  wing 
O'er  the  wild  surge  that  whelm'd  a  buried  world, 
Swept  on  in  weariness,  and  found  no  rest, 
The  Dove,  thy  gentle  compeer  hath  gone  back, 
Folding  her  white  wing  in  the  Ark  of  Peace, 
Keturn  thyself! 

But  the  black-pinion'd  bird, 

With  drooping  head  kept  on,  tho'  naught  appear'd 
Save  one,  great  shoreless  Sea.     Oh  soul  of  Man ! 
How  long  wilt  thou  with  restless  search  explore 
The  sullen  billows  of  this  tossing  world, 
And  find  no  place  of  rest? 

Alas !  how  long 

Shall  that  dark  Eaven  be  thy  prototype? 
See,  at  the  open  window  of  the  Ark 
Stretcheth  a  Hand  to  greet  thee. 

Haste!  Eeturn! 
And  Christ  shall  give  thee  rest. 


322  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  XVIII. 

"  Fear  not:  but  let  your  hands  be  strong." 

ZECHARIAH,  viii :  13. 

COMES  there  a  time,  when  fortune's  gale 

Your  spreading  sail  no  longer  swells  ? 
Comes  there  a  time,  when  self-distrust 

Your  energy  of  action  quells? 
Comes  there  a  time,  of  toil  and  care 

Unpitied,  and  enduring  long? 
Still  at  your  post,  where  duty  calls 

Fear  not,  but  let  your  hands  be  strong. 

Comes  there  a  time,  when  pride  bears  rule, 

When  truth  and  justice  seem  to  sleep? 
When  wealth  and  arrogance  and  power 

Their  tyrant  course  exulting  keep? 
Comes  there  a  time,  when  foes  oppose, 

Revile  the  truth,  uphold  the  wrong  ? 
With  eye  on  Him  who  saves  the  soul, 

Fear  not,  but  let  your  hands  be  strong. 


OCTOBER   XIX. 

"  Faith  is  the  substance  of  tilings  hoped  for." 

HEBREWS,  xi:  1. 

HOPE'S  soft  petals  love  the  beam 
That  cheer'd  them  into  birth, 

Pleasure  seeks  a  glittering  stream 
Bright,  oozing  from  the  earth, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  323 

Knowledge  yields  his  lofty  fruit 

To  those  who  climb  with  toil, 
But  Heaven's  pure  plant  strikes  deepest  root 

Where  tears  have  dewed  the  soil. 

Hope  with  flowerets  strews  the  blast 

When  adverse  winds  arise, 
Pleasure's  garlands  wither  fast 

Before  inclement  skies, 
Knowledge  often  mocks  pursuit 

Involved  in  mazy  shade, 
But  heaven-born  Faith  yields  richer  fruit 

When  other  harvests  fade. 


OCTOBER   XX. 

For  God  giveth  to  a  man  that  is  good  in  His  sight,  wisdom,  and  knowledge,  and  joy.' 

ECCLESIASTES,  ii : 

THE  joy  of  wealth !  'tis  built  on  pride, 

Yet  they  who  win  can  tell, 
Of  quicksands  'neath  the  golden  tide, 

Of  heights  whence  thousands  fell, 
Of  dangers  in  some  baneful  clime, 

Or  on  the  treacherous  wave, 
That  waste  of  health  the  balmy  prime, 

Or  ope  the  untimely  grave. 


324  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  joy  of  knowledge !     Ask  the  sage, 

Who  o'er  the  midnight  oil 
His  vigil  holds,  from  youth  to  age, — 

The  worth  of  all  his  toil, 
Perchance  disease  his  strength  impairs, 

Or  memory  leaves  her  throne; 
Haste !  ask  the  price  of  all  his  cares, 

Alas !  the  treasure's  gone. 

The  joy  of  Heaven !     'Tis  sought  with  prayers, 

With  deeds  that  shun  the  view, 
With  penitential  tears  and  cares 

That  worldlings  never  knew, 
And  on  the  souls  who  here  below 

God's  righteous  will  obey, 
Shall  He  that  priceless  gift  bestow 

Which  none  can  take  away. 


OCTOBER  XXI. 

"  Follow  after  the  things  which  make  for  peace." 

ROMANS,  xiv:  19. 

CHECK  at  their  fountain-head, 
0  Lord !  the  streams  of  strife, 

Nor  let  misguided  man  rejoice 
To  take  his  brother's  life. 

Strike  off  the  pomp  and  pride, 
That  deck  the  deeds  of  war, 

And  in  their  gorgeous  mantle  hide 
The  blood-stained  conqueror. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  325 

Bid  every  fire-side,  press 

The  gospel's  peaceful  claims, 
Nor  let  a  Christian  nation  bless, 

What  its  meek  Master  blames. 

So  shall  the  seeds  of  hate 

Be  strangled  in  their  birth, 
And  Peace,  the  angel  of  thy  love, 

Kule  o'er  enfranchised  earth. 


OCTOBER  XXII. 

"  Have  peace,  one  with  another." 

MARK,  ix:  50. 

THUS  spake  the  Master,  calling  to  his  side 
The  listening  twelve. 

But  on  each  brow  there  lurk'd 
A  heaving  subsidence  of  turbid  thought, 
As  some  spent  billow  leaveth  darken'd  dregs 
Of  sea- weed  on  the  shore.     Among  themselves 
They  had  disputed  with  unholy  warmth, 
And  an  unwonted  bitterness  of  words, 
Who  should  be  greatest.     Secretly  they  deem'd 
The  strife  was  kept,  when  One  who  read  the  heart 
Was  ever  near  them. 

Then  he  took  a  child, 
A  little  child,  and  set  him  in  their  midst, 
That,  from  his  meekness  and  humility 
They  might  receive  reproof.     The  gentle  eyes 
Of  that  selected  model,  with  sweet  gaze 
Turn'd  wonderingly  upon  Him,  as  he  said, 
Of  such,  Heaven's  kingdom  was. 


326  DAILY     COUXSELLOK. 

The  Yoice  Divine 

Mov'd  by  the  beauty  of  that  living  text, 
Made  comment  to  the  heart,  earnest  yet  grave, 
Even  to  sadness,  as  a  Teacher  mourns 
To  find  the  pupils  whom  he  lov'd  and  led, 
Fail  in  the  first  and  simplest  rudiment 
Of  all  their  knowledge. 

Fierce  Ambition's  pain, 
The  pride  of  place,  the  pharisaic  boast 
"Stand  by,  for  I  am  holier  than  thou," 
He  with  resistless  eloquence  set  forth, 
As  inconsistent  with  their  creed,  and  press'd 
The  elemental  precept  of  his  faith, 
The  essential  test  of  true  discipleship, 
Of  self  displaced,  and  charity  begun, 
"  Have  peace  among  yourselves." 


OCTOBER  XXIII. 

"There  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  there  the  weary  be  at  rest." 

JoB.iii:  17. 

WE  mourn  for  those  who  toil, 

The  wretch  who  ploughs  the  main, 
The  slave  who  helpless  tills  the  soil 

Beneath  the  stripe  and  chain, 
For  those  who  in  the  world's  hard  race 

O'erwearied  and  unblest, 
A  host  of  gliding  phantoms  chase ; 

Why  mourn  for  those  who  rest  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  327 

"We  mourn  for  those  who  sin, 

Bound  in  the  tempter's  snare, 
Whom  syren  pleasure  beckoneth  in 

To  prisons  of  despair, 
Whose  hearts  by  whirlwind  passions  torn, 

Are  wreck'd  on  folly's  shore ; 
But  why  with  futile  sorrow  mourn 

For  those  who  sin  no  more? 

We  mourn  for  those  who  weep, 

Whom  stern  afflictions  bend, 
Despairing  o'er  the  lowly  sleep 

Of  lover  or  of  friend ; 
But  they,  who  Jordan's  swelling  breast 

No  more  are  call'd  to  stem, 
Who  in  the  eternal  haven  rest, 

We  render  thanks  for  them  ? 


OCTOBER  XXIV. 

"  Sorrow  not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope." 

IST  THESE ALONIANS,  iv:  13. 

CAN  we  forget  the  buds  that  wove 

Bright  garlands  round  our  tent  ? 
The  links  that  from  our  chain  of  love 

By  death's  stern  grasp  were  rent  ? 

The  smiles  that  round  our  peaceful  hall 

Beam'd  like  the  morning  ray? 
The  tones  that  answer'd  to  our  call 

In  music,  where  are  they  ? 


328  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

We  call  them  lost,  but  Thou,  our  God, 
Shalt  guard  their  peaceful  sleep, 

And  in  Thy  casket  of  the  sod, 
The  rich  deposit  keep, 

And  bid  the  grave  each  atom  tell 
Thou  to  its  charge  hast  given, 

And  raise  our  "sown  in  tears"  to  swell 
The  harvest-song  of  Heaven. 


OCTOBER  XXV. 

"As  the  enrly  dew,  it  goeth  away." 

HOSEA,  vi:  4. 

I  SAW  a  drop  of  morning  dew 

Like  crystal  gem  serene, 
Bright  sparkling  on  a  verdant  bough, 

All  fresh  in  summer  green. 

The  rising  Sun  exhaled  the  tear, 

And  drank  it,  as  it  shone, 
A  sudden  tempest  cleft  the  bough, 

It  trembled  and  was  gone. 

"Was  not  that  dew-drop  like  the  bloom 

And  glory  of  our  span  ? 
And  yonder  reft  and  blighted  bough 

Like  the  frail  hope  of  man  ? 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  329 


OCTOBER  XXVI. 

"Is  it  well  with  the  child  ?    And  she  answered,  It  is  well." 

SND  KINGS,  iv  :  26. 

"  Is  it  well  with  the  child?  "    And  she  answered,  " 'Tis  well." 

But  I  gazed  on  the  mother  who  spake, 
For  the  tremulous  tear  as  it  sprang  from  its  cell 

Bade  a  doubt  in  my  bosom  awake, 
And  I  marked  how  the  bloom  from  her  features  had  fled, 

So  late  in  their  loveliness  rare, 
And  the  hue  of  the  watcher  that  bends  o'er  the  dead 

Was  gathering  in  pensiveness  there. 

"Is  it  well  with  the  child?"    And  she  answered,  "'Tis  well." 

I  remembered  its  beauty  and  grace, 
When  the  tones  of  its  laughter  did  tunefully  swell, 

In  affections  delighted  embrace, 
And  through  their  long  fringe  as  it  rose  from  its  sleep, 

Its  eyes  beamed  a  rapturous  ray, 
Then  I  wondered  that  silence  should  settle  so  deep 

O'er  the  home  of  a  being  so  gay. 

"Is  it  well  with  the  child? "     And  she  said,  "It  is  well." 

"  It  hath  tasted  of  sickness  and  pain, 
Of  the  pang,  and  the  groan,  and  the  gasp  it  might  tell, 

It  never  will  suffer  again ; 
In  dreams,  as  an  angel,  it  stands  by  my  side, 

In  the  garments  of  glory  and  love, 
And  I  hear  its  glad  lays  to  the  Saviour  who  died, 

'Mid  the  choir  of  the  blessed  above." 
28* 


330  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  XXVII. 

"Mene,  Mene,  Tekel." 

DANIEL,  v:  25. 

TURN  ye  and  look  on  ancient  Babylon, 
The  glory  of  Chaldea's  excellence. 

Where  is  thy  golden  throne,  thou  queen  of  earth  ? 

Thy  heaven-defying  walls,  thy  molten  gates, 
Thy  towering  terraces  of  trees  and  flowers, 
Thy  river-god  Euphrates,  thy  gay  priests, 
Effeminate  kings,  astrologers  with  eyes 
Sealed  to  the  stars  ?     Methinks  even  now  I  trace 
What  struck  Belshazzar  'mid  his  revels  pale, 
The  mystic  fingers  of  a  severed  hand 
Inscribing  Mene  on  thy  moldering  dust. 

Ask  ye  for  Tyre,  for  populous  Nineveh, 

For  temple-crowned  Jerusalem,  for  Thebes, 

The  hundred  gated,  or  for  Carthage  proud? 

Go !  ask  the  winnowing  winds  that  waste  the  chaff 

Of  human  glory.     Ask  ye,  who  engraved 

Tekel  upon  Pompeii's  princely  halls, 

When  dust  and  ashes  quenched  their  revelry  ? 

The  hand  that  graves  it  on  thy  own  frail  frame, 

Thy  palaces  of  pleasure,  domes  of  pride, 

And  bowers  of  hope.     The  pen  of  judging  Heaven 

Writes  "  Mene,  Mene,  Tekel,"  on  all  joys 

That  have  their  root  in  earth. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  331 


OCTOBER  XXVIII. 

'  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel   to  every   creature." 

MARK,  xvi :  15. 

ONWAED  !  onward !  men  of  Heaven, 

Eear  the  Gospel's  banner  high ; 
Rest  not  till  its  light  is  given, 

Star  of  every  pagan  sky ; 
Bear  it  where  the  pilgrim  stranger 

Faints  'neath  Asia's  vertic  ray ; 
Bid  the  red-browed  forest  ranger 

Hail  it  ere  he  fleets  away. 

Where  the  arctic  ocean  thunders, 

Where  the  tropics  fiercely  glow, 
Broadly  spread  its  page  of  wonders, 

Brightly  bid  its  radiance  flow. 
India  marks  its  luster,  stealing, 

Shivering  Greenland  loves  its  rays, 
Afric,  'mid  her  deserts  kneeling, 

Lifts  the  mingled  strain  of  praise. 

Rude  in  speech,  or  grim  in  feature, 

Dark  in  spirit  though  they  be, 
Show  that  light  to  every  creature, 

Prince  or  vassal,  bond  or  free ; 
Lo !  they  haste  to  every  nation, 

Host  on  host  the  ranks  supply, 
Onward !  Christ  is  your  salvation, 

And  your  death  is  victory ! 


332  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


OCTOBER  XXIX. 

"The  entrance  of  Thy  words  giveth  light." 

PSALMS,  cxix:  130 

HERE,  in  this  world  of  ours 
Frost  settleth  on  the  bowers, 
Dark  o'er  the  sleeted  pane 
Stealeth  the  wintry  rain, 
Mist  curtaineth  the  streams, 
Dimly  our  pathway  gleams 
As  in  a  land  of  dreams. 

Give  light,  0  Lord. 
Night  broodeth  o'er  the  vines, 
Night  sigheth  'mid  the  pines, 
Night  in  the  valleys  deep, 
Night  on  the  mountain  steep, 
Night  on  the  billows'  crest, 
Night  in  the  human  breast, 
With  sorrow  and  unrest. 

Lord !  give  us  light. 


OCTOBER  XXX. 

1  For  what  is  your  life?    It  is  even  a  vapor  that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and  then  vanish- 
i  away."  JAMES,  iv :  14 

GRACEFUL  dew-drop,  sparkling  bright, 
On  the  fair  magnolia's  height, 
Do  the  admiring  grass-blades  eye 
Thy  patrician  regency? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


Or  art  thou  with,  envy  scann'd, 
By  the  undeck'd,  untitled  band  ? 
Lo !  while  yet  our  question  sighs, 
Quench'd,  that  orb  of  brilliance  lies. 

Such  is  man,  the  crown  that  wears, 
Such  is  man,  the  palm  that  bears, 
O'er  his  fellows,  for  an  hour, 
Vaunting  in  the  guise  of  power, 
As  the  vapor's  fleecy  fold 
Takes  a  transient  tint  of  gold, 
Then,  in  dark  oblivion's  shade 
Like  the  noteless  dew-drop  laid. 


OCTOBER  XXXI. 

"I  heard  the  voice  of  harpers,  harping  with  their  harps." 

REVELATION,  xiv:  2. 

WILT  listen  to  the  heart  ?     It  hath  a  voice 

That  the  world  heeds  not,  an  inwoven  mesh 

Of  hidden  harp-strings.     If  thou'lt  silent  walk 

Down  the  sad  pathways  of  humanity, 

Thy  soul  may  hear,  on  every  passing  breeze, 

The  sigh  of  such  as  have  no  comforter, 

The  song  of  joy,  as  from  a  grass-bird's  nest, 

The  moan  of  hope,  or  dissonance  of  grief, 

Till  feeling  in  thyself  the  quickening  tide 

Of  sympathy  for  all  whom  God  hath  made, 

Thou  lovest  the  Hand  that  rules  these  harmonies. 

So  listen,  that  the  monotone  of  self 

May  die  away,  and  with  Creation's  song 

Of  many  parts,  thine  own  sweet  praise  ascend, 

Until  thou  join  the  harpers  round  the  Throne. 


•ovmlaw. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOB.  337 


NOVEMBEK  I. 

"  Arise,  and  come  awny." 

SONQ  OF  SOLOMON,  ii :  13. 

THE  vines  are  withered,  0  my  love, 

That  erst  we  taught  to  tower. 
And  in  a  mesh  of  fragrance  wove 

Around  our  summer  bower. 

The  ivy  on  the  ancient  wall 

Doth  in  its  budding  fade, 
The  stream  is  dry,  whose  gentle  fall 

A  lulling  murmur  made. 

The  tangled  weeds  have  choked  the  flowers, 

The  trees,  so  lately  bright, 
In  all  the  pomp  of  summer  hours 

Keveal  a  blackening  blight. 

There  is  a  sigh  upon  the  gale 

That  cloth  the  willow  sway, 
A  murmur  from  the  blossoms  pale, 

"Arise,  and  come  away." 

So,  when  this  life  in  clouds  shall  hide 

Its  garland  bright  and  brief, 
And  every  promise  of  its  pride 

Reveal  the  frosted  leaf, 

May  the  undying  soul  attain 

That  heritage  sublime 
Where  comes  no  pang  of  parting  pain, 

Nor  change  of  hoary  time. 
29 


338  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  II. 

"As  Jesus  passed  by,  he  snw  a  man  thnt  was  blind  from  his  birth." 

JOHN,  ix:  1. 

BORN  blind !  Born  blind ! 

He  knew  not  what  he  lost, 

"When  the  great  Sun  went  up  the  empurpled  east, 
Kindling  to  gladness  all  the  mountain-tops, 
Or  night's  fair  Queen  gave  every  quivering  leaf 
A  coronet  of  silver. 

Kindred  face, 

Mother  and  sister,  with  his  childish  hand 
He  oft  had  felt,  exploring  how  the  smile 
Rounded  each  angle  with  a  dimpling  grace, 
And  \vondering  why  the  love-kiss  lent  the  lips 
Such  symmetry.     But  now,  with  lapse  of  years 
Both  curiosity  and  hope  lay  dead, 
In  their  cold,  comn'd  cell.     And  so  he  stretch'd 
His  poor,  thin  hand,  to  take  such  alms  as  they 
Who,  idly  basking  in  Creation's  bliss, 
Saw  fit  to  cast  him.     There  he  sate  and  begg'd 
Beside  the  Temple-porch. 

He  ne'er  beheld 

That  glory  of  his  Nation,  gorgeous  dome 
And  pinnacle,  that  touch'd  the  blue  serene, 
Altar,  and  arch,  and  shadowing  cherubim, 
And  massy  doors  on  golden  hinges  turning; 
But  still  his  Jewish  heart  leap'd  high  to  hear 
The  chanting  of  the  people  and  the  priests, 
When,  with  loud  clang  of  instruments,  they  gave 
Glad  praise  to  Zion's  God. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  339 

Born  blind !  Born  blind ! 
And  in  that  dark  to  die.     He  sate  and  begg'd, 
Nor  knew  that  by  his  side  a  Healer  stood. 

A  Voice  Divine !     The  horny  eye-balls  moved, 
The  pale  lids  quivered !     Light  in  torrents  flow'd, 
And  by  the  rapture  of  that  ray,  he  learn'd 
The  unimagined  loss  of  many  years. 
Bright  noontide  in  a  dazzling  balance  weigh'd, 
The  horror  of  that  darkness  which  had  clung 
Shroudlike  around  him  from  his  cradle-hour, 
Uncomprehended,  till  that  contrast  came, 
Dissolving  all  his  soul  in  grateful  joy. 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  went  on  his  way. 
He  cared  not  for  the  shouting  of  the  crowd. 
Hail,  and  Hozanna,  what  were  they  to  Him 
Who  in  the  might  of  goodness,  meekly  trod 
The  dusty  pathways  of  Jerusalem  ? 


NOVEMBER  III. 

"The  morning  cometh,  and  also  the  night." 

ISAIAH,  xxi :  12. 

HOPE  hath  its  dawning,  and  its  cloud, 
Love  hath  its  cradle,  and  its  shroud, 
Joy  hath  its  blossom,  and  decay, 
Grief's  night  of  weeping  fades  away, 
The  pillow  bathed  in  tears  grows  dry, 
And  morning  greets  the  mourner's  eye. 


340  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Life  hath  a  time  to  smile  and  grieve, 
Youth  is  its  morn,  and  age  its  eve ; 
Call  not  the  gathering  shades  unblest, 
Sweet  pause  for  memory  and  for  rest, 
But  welcome  twilight  meek  and  pale, 
And  when  dark  evening  draws  its  veil, 
Light  up  the  lamps  with  right  good  will, 
Heap  fuel,  if  your  veins  are  chill, 
Bid  holy  faith  be  firm  and  bold, 
Cling  to  the  love  that  ne'er  grows  old, 
That  warms  thro'  life  the  heaven-taught  guest, 
And  makes  its  night  and  morning  blest. 


NOVEMBER  IV. 

14  In  the  midst  of  my  duys." 

PSALMS,  cii:  24. 

THE  tree  was  in  flushing  with  blossom  and  promise, 
The  tree  was  in  bearing  with  beauty  and  fruit, 

And  sweet  birds  of  song,  'mid  its  branches  were  nesting, 
And  streams  of  affection  flow'd  fresh  round  its  root. 

No  tempest,  or  cloud  the  horizon  was  threatening, 
Yet  a  shaft  like  the  lightning  in  secresy  sped, 

The  quick  vital  tide  at  its  fount  was  arrested, 
In  the  midst  of  its  days,  it  lay  smitten  and  dead. 

Oh !  wide  was  the  chasm  of  that  deep  desolation, 
And  bitter  their  grief  'neath  its  shadow  who  grew. 

No  more  'neath  that  shelter  with  gladness  to  gather, 
Or  drink  from  its  green  leaves  the  crystalline  dew. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  341 

But  a  voice  'mid  the  weeping  with  sorrow  descended, 
The  voice  of  the  Saviour  in  pity  and  love, 

"Your  tree  hath  not  perished,  its  date  was  immortal, 
The  crown  of  its  joy  blooms  unfading  above." 


NOVEMBER  Y. 

"The  same  dny,  Pilate  nnd   Herod  were  made  friends  together;  for  before,  they  were  at 
enmity  between  themselves."  LUKE,  xxiii :  12. 

WHAT  made  them  friends?     They,  who  so  long  had  been 
Inimical,  with  haughty  frown,  or  glance 
Averted,  if  they  chanced  to  meet,  and  words 
Of  bitter  hatred  when  they  were  apart: 
What  made  them  friends? 

That  which  too  often  binds 
Bad  hearts  together,  earnestness  in  wrong, 
Congenial  purpose  of  iniquity, 
Coincidence  in  crime. 

There's  many  a  league 

Thus  made  in  modern  times,  for  secret  fraud, 
And  fellowship  in  ill,  a  twisted  cord, 
Or  blacken'd  cable,  by  which  two  may  draw 
Stronger  in  Satan's  yoke.     But  when  the  work 
Of  darkness  that  cemented  them  is  done, 
They  fall  asunder,  strait  like  smoking  flax : — 
Affinity  in  evil  doth  not  skill 
To  forge  those  links  of  steel  that  bind  the  soul 
Firmly  through  every  change. 
29* 


342  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Oh  Lord,  our  strength ! 

Grant  that  our  friendship  in  this  world  may  be 
A  double  power  for  good,  an  added  warmth 
Of  holy  sympathy,  an  arm  to  aid 
Over  rough  places  in  our  pilgrim-path, 
An  eye  to  trace  behind  each  gathering  cloud 
Its  silver  lining,  and  a  voice  to  speak 
Thy  words  of  love,  until  we  come  to  Thee. 


NOVEMBER  VI. 

"Abide  with  us,  for  it  is  toward  evening,  and  the  day  is  far  spent." 

LUKE,  xxiv:  29. 

THE  bright  and  blooming  morn  of  youth 

Hath  faded  from  the  sky, 
And  the  fresh  garlands  of  our  hope, 

Are  withered,  sere,  and  dry, 
Oh  Thou !  whose  being  hath  no  end, 

"Whose  years  can  ne'er  decay, 
"Whose  strength  and  wisdom  are  our  trust, 

Abide  with  us,  we  pray. 

Behold  the  noonday  sun  of  life 

Sinks  toward  its  western  bound, 
And  fast  the  lengthening  shadows  draw 

In  heavier  gloom  around, 
And  all  the  glow-worm  lamps  are  dead 

That,  kindling  round  our  way, 
Gave  fickle  promises  of  joy, 

Abide  with  us,  we  pray. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  343 

Dim  eve  steals  on,  and  many  a  friend 

Our  early  path  who  blessed, 
Wrapped  in  the  cerements  of  the  tomb 

Have  laid  them  down  to  rest; 
But  Thou,  the  everlasting  Friend, 

Whose  Spirit's  glorious  ray, 
Illumes  the  dreary  vale  of  death, 

Abide  with  us,  we  pray. 


NOVEMBER  VII. 

"I  will  arise,  and  go  to  my  Fnther." 

ST.  LUKE,  xv  :  18. 

HAST  thou  no  Father's  House 

Beyond  this  pilgrim  scene, 
That  thus  on  Earth's  delusive  props 

Thy  bleeding  breast  doth  lean  ? 

Yet  not  the  parents'  care 

Who,  for  their  infant  sigh, 
When  absence  shuts  it  from  their  arms, 

Or  sickness  dims  its  eye, 

Transcends  the  love  divine, 

The  welcome  full  and  free, 
With  which  the  gracious  Sire  of  Heaven 

Will  stretch  His  arms  to  thee, 

When  thou  with  contrite  tear 

Shalt  wait  within  His  walls, 
Imploring  but  the  broken  bread 

That  from  His  table  falls. 


344  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

No  more  His  mansion  shun, 
No  more  distrust  His  grace, 

Rise  from  the  orphanage  of  earth, 
And  meet  His  blest  embrace. 


NOVEMBER  VIII. 

;'They  shall  be  on  the  mountains,  like  doves  of  the  valley?,  nil  of  them  mourning." 

E/.KKIEL,  vii:  16 

DOVE  of  the  Yale!  what  dost  thou  here? 

O'er  the  bare  mountains  wandering  lone, 
Bleak,  stranger-skies  above  thee  spread, 

And  cliffs  on  cliffs  around  thee  thrown. 


Wandering  and  mourning,  far  away, 
From  genial  clime,  and  lover  dear, 

Thy  thrilling  wail  at  evening's  close, 
And  morning's  earliest  dawn,  I  hear. 

Ah  homeless  exile !  dost  thou  know 
Through  ether's  trackless  fields  the  way 

To  the  green  valley,  where  thy  nest 

Hung  trembling  on  the  curtain'd  spray  ? 

Hark !  to  the  mountain's  hollow  moan, 
Dark,  threatening  clouds  a  storm  prepare, 

Fly  to  the  A.rk  that  rides  the  wave 
And  find  unchanging  shelter  there. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  345 


NOVEMBER  IX. 

Jesus  wept." 

JOHX,  xi:  35. 

WHY  weep  ye,  when  the  weary  go  to  rest  ? 

When  sickness  ceaseth  from  its  bitter  sighing? 
Why  mourn  ye  at  the  burial  of  the  just 

With  hopeless  woe,  the  Comforter  denying? 
For  the  disciples  whom  their  Lord  made  free 
When  o'er  the  tyrant  grave,  He  won  the  victory? 

Why  count  it  evil,  when  affliction's  dart 

Hath  had  its  perfect  work  ?  when  sorrow's  rod 

Leaves  its  sore  smiting?  when  the  pure  in  heart 
Kise  in  their  saintly  righteousness  to  God, 

Those  who  have  walk'd  with  Wisdom's  heavenly  train, 

And  in  their  inmost  souls  believed  that  death  was  gain  ? 

Yet  is  there  weeping,  when  a  just  man  falls, 
When  a  loved  friend  the  cup  of  parting  drinks, 

When  a  true  watchman  faints  on  Zion's  walls, 
Or  'mid  his  flock  a  faithful  shepherd  sinks, 

And  'mid  the  living  waters  where  he  fed 

The  tender,  trusting  lambs,  doth  slumber  with  the  dead. 

Our  tears  are  pearls,  by  griev'd  affection  shed, 

Drawn  from  the  heart's  deep  fount  with  shuddering  pain, 

Yet  Faith  can  string  them  on  a  silver  thread, 
And  wear  them  till  an  angel's  wreath  she  gain, 

For  Piety  hath  in  her  bosom  kept, 

And  on  her  forehead  graved  their  sanction,  "  Jesus  wept." 


346  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  X. 

"Leave  thy  fatherless  children,  I  will  preserve  them  alive." 

JKRKMIAH,  xlix:  11. 

THEY  said  she  was  alone. 

But  when  I  turn'd 

To  look  upon  her,  in  her  arms  there  lay 
A  tender  blossom  of  humanity 
New-born  and  beautiful.     Methought  the  babe 
Did  bear  the  features  of  its  buried  sire, 
And  at  the  moaning  of  its  timid  voice, 
And  faint,  appealing  smile,  the  stricken  heart 
Rose  in  its  brokenness,  and  took  the  joy 
That  pays  maternal  care. 

And  then  I  thank'd 

The  Father  of  our  Mercies,  who  doth  watch 
The  widow'd  heart  so  tenderly,  and  prop 
The  form  he  smiteth,  and  infuse  some  drops 
Of  balm  of  Gilead  in  the  cup  of  grief, 
That  none  may  sink  beneath  his  sharp  rebuke, 
But  walk  in  patience,  and  in  chastened  hope, 
On  to  the  land  which  hath  no  need  that  pain 
Should  be  the  teacher  of  its  habitants. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  347 


NOVEMBER  XI. 

"Thy  Maker  is  tliy  Husband." 

ISAIAH,  liv:  5. 

ART  thou  the  bride  of  God? 

Let  no  encroaching  care 
Disturb  the  current  of  thy  thought 

Or  mar  the  espousal-prayer  ; 
If  other  lords  have  held 

Dominion  o'er  thy  heart, 
Eise,  in  the  sanctity  of  truth, 

And  bid  them  all  depart. 

If  thou  wouldst  please  Him  well, 

Whose  favor  is  thy  life, 
Put  on  the  robe  of  lowliness, 

And  shun  the  words  of  strife, 
Submit  thyself  to  Him 

Not  doubting,  not  afraid, 
And  with  an  angel's  smile  regard 

All  whom  His  hand  hath  made. 

Be  thy  first  thought,  His  name, 

At  morning's  earliest  rays, 
And  when  the  Night  its  curtain  draws 

Thy  latest  word,  His  praise  ; 
Eest  on  His  arm,  till  Death 

Prepare  the  burial-sod, 
Oh  Widow!  in  thy  lone  estate 

Be  thou  the  bride  of  God. 


348  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  XII. 

"Unto  them  will  I  give  in  my  house,  nnd  within  my  walls,  a  place  and  a  name,  better  than 
of  sons  and  of  daughters."  ISAIAH,  Ivi :  5. 

MOTHER  of  kings!  with  what  a  lofty  port 
Among  the  nobles  of  the  realm  she  reigned 

And  drank  the  incense  of  a  venal  court, 

As  though  her  brow  a  changeless  crown  sustained. 

Mother  of  heroes!  what  a  thrill  of  pride 

Ran  through  her  bosom,  when  their  fame  was  won ; 

Such  was  her  joy,  who  cradled  at  her  side 
Our  "  pater  patrise,"  glorious  Washington ! 

But  thou,  0  meek  and  saintly  one,  whose  tear 
In  childless  sorrow  dews  the  burial-sod, 

Far  higher  honor  waits  thy  woe  severe, — 
Mother  of  angels!  stay  thy  soul  on  God. 


NOVEMBER  XIII. 

'  The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be  found  in  the  way  of  righteousness." 

PROVERBS,  zvi :  31. 

GIVE  honor  to  the  hoary  head 

In  ways  of  wisdom  found, 
Bright,  circling  rays  of  glory  bend, 
And  with  its  locks  of  silver  blend, 

Encircling  it  around. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  349 

Give  honor  to  the  faithful  dead, 

And  full  of  reverence,  bring 
Unfading  memories  from  the  dust, 
Their  love  to  man,  their  loyal  trust 

In  their  Anointed  King. 

Give  praise  to  God,  from  whom  proceeds 

Each  gift  and  purpose  high, 
Strength  to  the  servant  true  and  pure, 
Strength  to  the  aged  to  endure, 

Strength  to  the  saint,  to  die. 

Give  praise  to  God,  with  whom  do  dwell, 

In  heavenly  peace  and  rest, 
The  souls  of  those  who  serv'd  him  here, 
With  humble  faith,  with  holy  fear, 
Then  soar'd  above  the  cloud  and  tear, 

To  be  forever  blest. 


NOVEMBER   XIV. 

"They  heard  a  great  voice  from  Heaven,  saying,  Come  up  hither." 

REVELATION,  si: 

YE  have  a  land  of  mist  and  shade, 

Where  specters  roam  at  will, 
Dense  clouds  your  mountain-cliffs  pervade, 

And  damps  your  valleys  chill ; 
But  ne'er  has  midnight's  wing  of  woe 

Eclipsed  our  changeless  ray, 
"Come  hither,"  if  ye  seek  to  know 

The  bliss  of  perfect  day. 
30 


350  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Doubt,  like  the  Bohan-upas,  spreads 

A  blight  where'er  ye  tread, 
And  Hope,  a  wailing  mourner,  sheds 

The  tear  o'er  harvests  dead ; 
With  us,  no  traitorous  foe  assails 

Where  love  her  home  would  make ; 
In  Heaven,  the  welcome  never  fails, 

"Come,"  and  that  warmth  partake. 

Time  revels  'mid  your  boasted  joys, 

Death  dims  your  brightest  rose, 
And  sin  your  bower  of  peace  destroys, 

Where  will  ye  find  repose  ? 
Ye're  weary  in  your  pilgrim-race, 

Sharp  thorns  your  path  infest, 
"Come  hither,"  rise  to  our  embrace, 

And  Christ  shall  give  you  rest. 

'Twas  thus,  methought,  at  twilight  hour 

The  angel's  lay  came  down, 
Like  dews  upon  the  drooping  flower, 

When  droughts  of  summer  frown ; 
How  richly  o'er  the  ambient  air 

Swelled  out  that  music  free ! 
Oh,  when  the  pangs  of  death  I  bear, 

Sing  ye  that  song  to  me. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  351 


NOVEMBER  XV. 

"  As  a  seal  upon  thine  heort." 

SONG  OF  SOLOMON,  viii :  6. 

HAVE  hearts  their  seals  ? 

Yes,  and  their  tablets  too. 
Where  Memory  writeth  with  her  diamond  pen, 
And  Hope  and  Fancy  at  their  own  gay  will 
Draw  pencil-sketches,  and  illusive  Love 
Throws  shade  and  sunbeam.     And  those  mystic  leaves 
Have  power  to  bring  the  tides  of  parted  joy 
Back  o'er  the  soul  again,  call  friendship's  voice 
From  time's  mute  sepulcher,  and  wake  the  pulse 
Of  age  and  sorrow  to  a  thrill  of  joy. 
But  the  quick  ear,  thro'  which  the  secret  thought 
Came  gliding  to  its  cell,  the  window'd  eye 
From  whence  the  ethereal  essence  glancing  forth, 
Held  fellowship  with  clay,  say,  who  could  form 
Such  wondrous  compact  of  incongruous  things, 
And  stamp  it  with  His  likeness,  save  the  Hand 
That  struck  from  chaos,  light? 

And  when  it  breaks 

The  heart's  last  seal,  and  maketh  manifest 
All  secrecies,  all  mysteries, — perchance, 
Some  motive  which  amid  the  mists  of  earth 
Was  wrongly  read,  shall  at  Heaven's  call  come  forth 
As  a  rich  strain  of  music,  sweetly  wrought 
Into  the  chorus  of  that  Angel  Hymn 
Which  hath  no  dissonance. 


352  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  XVI. 

'The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple  ;  let  all  the  Earth  keep  silence  before  him." 

H AHAKKI/K,  ii : 

THE  Lord  is  on  his  holy  throne, 

He  sits  in  kingly  state; 
Let  those  who  for  his  favor  seek, 

In  humble  silence  wait. 

Your  sorrows  to  His  eye  are  known, 

Your  secret  motives  clear, 
It  needeth  not  the  pomp  of  words, 

To  claim  his  listening  ear. 

Doth  Death  thy  bosom's  cell  invade? 

Yield  up  thy  flower  of  grass ; 
Swells  the  world's  wrathful  billow  high  ? 

Bow  down,  and  let  it  pass. 

Press  not  thy  purpose  on  thy  God, 

Urge  not  thine  erring  will, 
Nor  dictate  to  the  Eternal  mind, 

Nor  doubt  thy  Maker's  skill. 

True  prayer  is  not  the  noisy  sound 

That  clamorous  lips  repeat, 
But  the  deep  silence  of  a  soul 

That  clasps  its  Father's  feet. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  353 


NOVEMBER  XVII. 

"  They  shall  perish,  but  Thou  remainest." 

HEBREWS,  i:  11. 

WHAT  shall  perish  ?     Plants  that  flourish, 
Flowerets  fresh  with  dewy  tears, 

Eeeds  that  murmuring  brooklets  nourish, 
Oaks  that  brave  a  thousand  years. 

What  shall  perish  ?     Thrones  shall  crumble, 
Centuries  wreck  the  proudest  walls, 

And  the  musing  traveler  stumble 
O'er  the  Caesars'  ruin'd  halls. 

What  shall  perish  ?     In  their  courses 
Stars  shall  fall,  and  earth  decay, 

And  old  Ocean's  mightest  forces 
Like  a  bubble  fleet  away. 

What  shall  perish  ?     Beauty's  blossom 

Cradled  in  affection's  arms, 
Clasp'd  to  love's  protecting  bosom, 

Bright  and  sweet  and  full  of  charms, 

Breathing  fragrance  o'er  the  hovel 
Where  the  poor  and  suffering  sigh, 

Teaching  smiles  to  those  that  grovel 
With  an  angel's  ministry; 
30* 


354  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Grief  beside  its  pillow  mourneth, 
Friendship's  tear  bedews  the  sod, 

As  the  dust  to  dust  returneth 
And  the  spirit  soars  to  God. 

God  the  Eternal !  He  remaineth 
Tho'  stern  Death  all  else  infold, 

Ee  the  pure  in  heart  sustaineth 
Till  His  glory  they  behold. 


NOVEMBER  XVIII. 


SAY  ye  'tis  Mercy  that  doth  rend 

Of  hope  the  healthful  root? 
The  visitation  of  a  friend 

That  blights  affection's  fruit? 
Yes,  Mercy.     Not  that  erring  love 

Which  man  to  man  extends, 
But  His  high  discipline  above 

"Who  pain  with  wisdom  blends. 

Beyond  the  cloud,  the  pang,  the  tomb 

Of  this  terrestrial  clod, 
Where  trees  of  glory  ever  bloom 

Fast  by  the  fount  of  God, 
Ye,  in  the  books  of  heaven  may  read 

With  seraph-students  blest, 
How  sorrow's  sternest  teachings  lead 

To  bowers  of  endless  rest. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  355 


NOVEMBER  XIX. 

*'  Peace  I  leave  with  you." 

JOHN,  xiv :  27. 

"PEACE"  was  the  song  the  angels  sang, 

When  Jesus  sought  this  vale  of  tears, 
And  sweet  that  heavenly  prelude  rang, 

To  calm  the  wondering  shepherds'  fears: 
"  War"  is  the  word  that  man  hath  spoke, 

Convuls'd  by  passions  dark  and  dread, 
And  vengeance  bound  a  lawless  yoke 

Even  where  the  Gospel's  banner  spread. 

"Peace"  was  the  prayer  the  Saviour  breathed 

When  from  our  world  his  steps  withdrew, 
The  gift  He  to  his  friends  bequeathed 

With  Calvary  and  the  cross  in  view: 
And  ye  whose  souls  have  felt  his  love, 

Guard  day  and  night  this  rich  bequest, 
The  watch-word  of  the  host  above, 

The  passport  to  their  realm  of  rest. 


356  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  XX. 

"I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old." 

PSALMS,  xxxvii :  35. 

THE  sapling-twig  our  childhood  idly  bent 
Maketh  broad  shadow,  and  the  forest-king 
That  arched  majestic  o'er  our  school-day  sports 
Moldereth,  to  sprout  no  more. 

The  little  babe 

We  as  a  plaything  dandled,  of  whose  frame 
We  spake,  perchance,  as  most  exceeding  frail, 
Doth  nurse  his  children's  children  on  his  knee. 
Brethren  and  sisters,  from  our  grasp  have  fled 
Like  bubbles  on  the  pool,  and  we  are  left 
With  life's  long  lessons  furrowed  on  our  brow. 

Yet  the  true  heart  that  hath  its  trust  in  Heaven, 
Seeing  its  treasured  things  unfold  their  wing 
And  thither  soar,  pursues  their  upward  flight, 
And  poising  higher  o'er  this  vale  of  tears, 
Weaves  from  its  varying  tones,  a  song  of  praise. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  357 


NOVEMBER  XXI. 

1  For  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  BS  the  waters  cover  the  sea." 

ISAIAH,  xi :  9. 

NIGHT  wraps  the  realm  where  Jesus  woke, 

No  guiding-star  the  Magi  see, 
And  heavy  hangs  Oppression's  yoke, 

Where  first  the  Gospel  said  "be  free.'1'1 

And  where  the  harps  of  angels  bore 
High  message  to  the  shepherd  throng, 

"Good  will  and  peace"  are  heard  no  more, 
To  murmur  Bethlehem's  vales  along. 

Swart  India,  with  her  idol  train, 

Bends  low,  by  Ganges'  worshiped  tide, 

Or  drowns  the  Suttee's  shriek  of  pain, 
With  thundering  gong  and  pagan  pride. 

On  Persia's  hills  the  Sophis  grope, 
Dark  Burmah  greets  Salvation's  ray, 

E'en  jealous  China's  door  of  hope 
Unbars  to  give  the  Gospel  way. 

Old  Ocean,  with  his  isles,  awakes, 

Cold  Greenland  feels  mysterious  flame, 

And  humbled  Afric  wondering  takes 
On  her  sad  lips  a  Saviour's  name. 


358  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Their  steps  the  forest  children  stay, 
Bound  to  Oblivion's  voiceless  shore, 

And  lift  their  red  brows  to  the  day, 

Which  from  the  opening  skies  doth  pour. 

Oh  !  aid  with  prayer  that  holy  light 
Which  from  eternal  death  can  save, 

And  bid  Christ's  heralds  speed  their  flight, 
Ere  millions  find  a  hopeless  grave. 

Still  in  the  forming  hour  of  youth, 
Combine  with  Education's  sway 

Those  seeds  of  heaven-implanted  truth, 
Whose  fruit  can  never  know  decay. 

Kneel  while  unsullied  joy  doth  glow 
Resplendent  on  the  blooming  cheek, 

And  for  the  climes  of  heathen  woe, 
A  blest  Redeemer's  pity  seek. 

Blend  sweetly  with  the  classic  page 
The  love  of  Heaven,  sublime  and  fair ; 

So  Beauty's  brow,  when  dimmed  with  age, 
The  luster  of  the  soul  shall  wear. 


NOVEMBER  XXII. 

The  dead  pruise  not  the  Lord." 

PSALMS,  cxv:  17. 

DEEP  dwellers  'mid  those  cells  profound 
Where  dreamless  slumbers  reign, 

~N"o  lingering  sigh,  or  grateful  sound 
Breathe  in  your  drear  domain. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  359 

But  ye,  upon  whose  living  eye 

Creation's  glory  breaks, 
When  Memory  opes  the  window'd  sky 

Or  Eve  her  scepter  takes, 

To  whose  quick  ear,  a  thrilling  strain 

Of  harmony  doth  rise, 
From  warbling  grove,  or  pine-clad  plain 

While  Echo's  voice  replies, 

Whose  buoyant  footsteps  wander  o'er 

Fresh  Summer's  blooming  fields, 
Where  glad  hands  cull  the  golden  store 

That  lavish  Autumn  yields, 

Praise  ye  the  Giver  of  your  breath 

The  Author  of  your  joy, 
Even  till  the  rigid  hand  of  death 

Time's  fragile  harp  destroy, 

Till  rising  where  immortal  lyres 

Are  to  your  keeping  given, 
Ye  find  that  ye  on  earth  have  learn'd 

The  melodies  of  heaven. 


360  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  XXIII. 

"  Lord  !  increase  our  fuith." 

LUKE,  xvii:  5. 

PRAYER  is  the  dew  of  faith, 
Its  rain-drop,  night  and  day, 

That  guards  its  vital  power  from  death 
When  cherish'd  hopes  decay, 

And  keeps  it  'mid  this  changeful  scene 

A  bright,  perennial  evergreen. 

Good  works,  of  faith  the  fruit, 

Should  ripen  year  by  year, 
Of  health  and  soundness  at  the  root 

An  evidence  sincere ; 
Dear  Saviour !  grant  Thy  blessing  free 
And  make  our  faith,  no  barren  tree. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  361 


NOVEMBER  XXIY. 

"Whither  shall  I  flee  from  Thy  presence." 

PSALMS,  cxxxix  :  7. 

TAKE  morning's  wing,  and  fly  from  zone  to  zone, 

To  earth's  remotest  pole,  and  ere  old  Time 

Can  shift  one  figure  on  his  dial-plate, 

Haste  to  the  frigid  Timle  of  mankind, 

Where  the  scant  life-drop  freezes.     Or  go  down 

To  Ocean's  secret  caverns  'mid  the  throng 

Of  monsters  without  number,  which  no  foot 

Of  man  hath  visited,  and  yet  returned 

To  walk  among  the  living.     Or  the  shroud 

Of  midnight  wrap  around  thee,  dense  and  deep, 

Bidding  thy  spirit  slumber. 

Hop'st  thou  thus 

To  'scape  the  Almighty,  to  whose  piercing  eye 
Morn's  robe  and  midnight's  vestments  are  the  same  ? 
Spirit  of  truth !  why  should  we  seek  to  hide 
Motive  or  deed  from  thee  ?  why  strive  to  walk 
In  a  vain  show  before  our  fellow-men  ? 
Since  at  the  same  dread  audit  each  must  stand, 
And  with  a  sun-ray  read  his  brother's  breast 
While  his  own  thoughts  are  weighed  ? 

Search  thou  my  soul ! 
And  if  aught  evil  lurks  securely  there, 
Like  Achan's  stolen  hoard,  command  it  thence, 
And  hold  me  up  in  singleness  of  heart, 
And  simple,  child-like  confidence  in  Thee, 
Till  time  shall  close  his  labyrinth  and  ope 
Eternity's  broad  gate. 

31 


362  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


NOVEMBER  XXV. 

"I  have  remembered  Thy  name,  O  Lord  !  in  the  night." 

PSALMS,  cxix:  55. 

MIDNIGHT  on  the  stormy  ocean, 

Tumult  of  the  blast  and  wave, 
Every  shrieking  shroud  in  motion, 

None  to  hearken,  none  to  save, 
Every  star  in  terror  hiding, 

Every  refuge  wrapp'd  in  gloom, 
And  a  slender  plank  dividing 

From  a  drear  and  watery  tomb ; 
Still,  Oh  Lord!  Thy  mercy  liveth, 

Still  Thy  goodness  answereth  prayer, 
And  Thy  blest  remembrance  giveth 

Solace  in  that  deep  despair. 

Midnight,  and  the  time  of  weeping ! 

Wild  the  tides  of  anguish  roll, 
Pain  and  woe  like  sentries  keeping 

Watch  above  the  prostrate  soul, 
Sympathy  is  weak  to  aid  it, 

Earthly  comforters  are  vain, 
Only  He,  the  God  who  made  it, 

Can  its  agony  restrain ; 
Then  His  love  with  strong  dominion, 

And  His  truth's  resistless  sway, 
Like  an  angel's  radiant  pinion 

Turneth  darkness  into  day. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  363 


NOVEMBER  XXVI. 

"Knowledge  pufTelli  up,  but  charity  edifietli." 

lar  CORINTHIANS,  viii:  1. 

SPIRIT  of  Love,  that  o'er  the  soul  of  man 

Dost  brood,  as  light  from  formless  chaos  rose, 
Let  us  not  waste  the  glory  of  our  span 

In  idle  dalliance  with  our  secret  foes, 
Nor  let  us  harbor  an  embittered  heart 

Beneath  the  Gospel  and  its  garb  of  peace, 
Cheating  ourselves  of  that  celestial  part 

For  which  the  songs  of  seraphs  never  cease 
To  praise  the  Hoi j  One ;  nor  weakly  blind, 

Puff  our  inflated  pride  with  windy  lore 
Of  fame,  and  see  the  unfed,  undying  mind 

Shrivel  with  famine :  for  all  hoarded  lore 
Of  earthly  knowledge  is  but  emptiness 
Unless  thy  breath  divine  doth  purify  and  bless. 


NOVEMBER  XXVII 


"The  Prophets,  do  they  live  forever?' 
ZECIIAE 


WHERE  are  the  Fathers  ?  they  who  chose 
'Mid  these  green  vales,  their  peaceful  lot  ? 

Here,  where  their  favorite  streamlet  flows, 
"We  call  them,  but  they  answer  not. 


364  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Where  are  the  Fathers  ?  Tell  us  where, 
By  wintry  fire-side,  sparkling  clear, 

At  household  board,  in  house  of  prayer, 
We  seek  them,  but  they  are  not  here. 

Where  are  the  Prophets  ?  Gone  to  rest, 
Yon  hallow'd  church-yard  points  us  where, 

Yon  swelling  mounds  in  verdure  drest, 
Yon  silent  tomb-stones  sadly  fair. 

Where  are  the  Prophets?     Eisen  to  God ! 

Those  faithful  laborers  for  the  skies, 
Oh  !  may  we  keep  the  path  they  trod, 

And  join,  in  Heaven,  earth's  broken  ties. 


NOVEMBER  XXVIII. 

"The  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

IST  THESSALONIAXS,  iii:  18. 

ADVENIRE!*  Advenire! 

So  the  prophets  sang  of  old, 
Some,  'mid  shadowy  twilight  groping, 

Snatching  thence  their  visions  bold, 
Some  like  rapt  Isaiah  gaining 

Snatches  of  a  morn  of  gold. 

*  Coming. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  365 

Advenire!  Advenire! 

So  we  say  though  Christ  hath  come, 
Taken  here  on  earth  a  portion 

Of  its  lowliness  and  gloom, 
And  his  wondrous  mission  finished 

On  the  cross  and  at  the  tomb. 

Advenire!  Advenire! 

Still  with  fervent  hearts  we  pray 
For  the  clearer  light  that  shineth 

Onward  to  the  Perfect  Day, 
A.nd  a  stronger  faith  to  guide  us 

Saviour,  in  thy  steps  alway. 

Advenire!  Advenire! 

Make  thy  fuller  purpose  known, 
More  conform  us,  life  and  spirit, 

To  the  pattern  Thou  hast  shown, 
Till  with  all  Thy  flock  we  gather 

Eound  the  footstool  of  Thy  Throne. 


NOVEMBER  XXIX. 

"At  our  gates  nre  all  manner  of  pleasnnt  frniti." 

Soya  or  SOLOMON,  vii :  13. 

OH  genial  Autumn,  in  thy  grave  with  tears 
As  when  a  good  man  dies,  we  lay  thee  down, 
Covering  thee  with  the  verdure  thou  hast  spared, 
Pale  sods  and  lingering  flowers. 
31* 


366  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Thou  didst  not  trust 

Thy  purposed  goodness  to  another's  hand 
But  raised  the  reaper  to  his  harvest-song, 
Gladden'd  the  gleaner's  heart,  and  o'er  the  board 
Of  the  poor  peasant  pour'd  such  fruits  as  made 
His  pining  children  happy. 

May  our  course, 

Most  bounteous  Autumn,  like  thine  own  be  found ; 
Not  weakly  trusting  to  a  future  race 
To  execute  our  plans  of  charity 
When  we  are  gone,  and  cheating  our  own  souls 
Of  the  sweet  bliss  of  pure  philanthropy, 
But  marking  every  day  with  kindly  deeds 
Pass  gently  to  an  honor'd  tomb,  like  thee, 
'Mid  the  green  memories  of  unnumbered  hearts. 


NOVEMBER  XXX. 

"  And  he  brought  him  to  Jesus." 

JOHN,  i :  42. 

UPON  his  brother's  neck  he  fell, 

And  tender  words  he  said 
Such  as  in  life's  fair  morn  were  breathed 

Upon  their  cradle-bed, 
When  lip  to  lip,  and  hand  in  hand, 
They  dream'd  in  slumber's  pleasant  land. 


DAILY     COUNSELLOR.  367 

Oh  blessed  Andrew !  first  of  all 

The  Master's  call  to  heed, 
And  first  to  his  disciples'  band 

An  ardent  soul  to  lead ; 
Fraternal  Love,  with  heaven-born  thought 
First  to  the  Cross,  a  convert  brought. 

And  if  there's  one  of  kindred  blood 

Still  to  our  Saviour  cold, 
"We'll  strive  by  that  impulsive  spell 

To  draw  them  to  His  fold, 
For  Love's  the  light  that  wakes  the  dim, 
And  Love,  the  hand  that  leads  to  Him. 

But  are  not  all  on  earth  who  dwell, 

By  One  Creator  made  ? 
By  the  same  bounteous  care  sustain'd  ? 

And  bound  to  Death's  dark  shade  ? 
Yet  urg'd  to  seek,  ere  Time  be  past, 
For  One  Great  Father's  home  at  last  ? 

Then  should  we  look  on  all  our  race 

With  kind,  fraternal  eye, 
And  bid  our  Christian  brotherhood 

Incite  to  sympathy, 
Effort,  and  earnest  prayer,  that  all, 
May  hear  and  heed  Salvation's  call. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  371 


DECEMBER  I. 

"By  the  breath  of  God,  frost  is  given,  and  the  breadth  of  the  waters  is  straitened." 

JOB,  xxx vii :  10. 

SEE,  o'er  yon  hillocks'  icy  heads 

Steals  the  first  winter-morning's  hue, 

And  wreathing  smoke  aspiring  spreads 
In  curling  volumes,  light  and  blue. 

Oh,  Giver  of  our  fleeting  days, 

The  changeful  year  is  full  of  Thee, 

Each  varying  season  speaks  Thy  praise, 
And  so,  with  ardent  hearts  should  we. 

Fallen  are  the  flowers  that  deck'd  our  path, 
The  birds  of  summer-song  are  fled, 

And  'neath  the  dreary  tempest's  wrath 
The  groves  lie  desolate  and  dead ; 

Yet,  when  these  charms  so  bright  and  frail 
Must  droop  and  wither  and  decay, 

Say,  is  there  naught  to  countervail 
The  good  the  Spoiler  takes  away  ? 

Is  there  no  joy  to  light  the  eye 

Though  beauty,  youth,  and  health  are  past, 
And  all  their  boasted  treasures  fly 

Like  leaves  before  the  wrecking  blast  ? 

Yes,  there's  a  joy  that  rules  the  throng 
Of  chilling  cares  and  sorrow's  shock, 

That  strikes  an  anchor  deep  and  strong 
In  Heaven's  imperishable  rock. 


372  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Grant  me  this  joy,  and  when  my  soul 
Her  farewell  to  the  world  shall  sigh, 

When  unknown  seas  around  me  roll 
And  toss  their  thundering  billows  high, 

When  to  yon  snow-clad  hills  afar, 

To  all  earth's  change  these  eyes  grow  dim, 

The  luster  of  my  Saviour's  star 

Shall  clearly  guide  my  way  to  Him. 


DECEMBER  II. 

'  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  lost  end  be  like  his." 

NUMBERS,  xxiii:  10. 

I  LOOKED  upon  the  righteous  man 

And  saw  his  parting  breath 
Without  a  struggle  or  a  sigh 

Yield  peacefully  to  death, 
There  was  no  anguish  on  his  brow 

No  terror  in  his  eye, 
The  Tyrant  sped  a  fearful  dart 

But  lost  the  victory. 

I  looked  upon  the  righteous  man 

And  heard  a  fervent  prayer 
Which  rose  above  that  breathless  clay 

To  soothe  the  mourner's  care, 
And  felt  how  priceless  was  the  gift 

He  to  his  dear  ones  gave, 
The  sainted  memory  of  the  just, 

A  wealth  beyond  the  grave. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  373 

I  looked  upon  the  righteous  man, 

And  all  our  earthly  trust 
Its  pleasure,  vanity,  or  power 

Seem'd  lighter  than  the  dust, 
Compared  with  his  eternal  gain, 

A  home  above  the  sky : 
Oh  grant  us  Lord,  his  life  to  live 

That  we  his  death  may  die. 


DECEMBER  III. 

"  Now  see  we  through  a  glass  darkly, — but  then,  face  to  face." 

IST  CORINTHIANS,  xiii :  12. 

MIGHT  we  but  view  the  shore 

Of  this  dim  world,  as  from  Heaven's  realm  it  gleams, 
How  should  we  blame  the  tear  unduly  shed, 
And  tax  the  rootless  joy.     How  should  we  see 
The  grave-mounds  where  we  wept,  sown  thick  with  flowers, 
Such  as  seraphic  bosoms  wear, — the  cliff 
Where  wild  ambition  strove,  with  storm-clouds  crown'd, 
"Wealth's  jewel'd  casket,  poverty, — perchance, 
His  prayer  who  knew  not  where  to  lay  his  head 
A  heritage  of  glory.     Each  desire 
Fed  to  fruition,  sows  it  not  the  seeds 
Of  sickness  in  the  soul  ? 

Prosperity 

Is  often  but  another  name  for  pride, 
While  our  keen  disappointments  are  the  germ 
Of  that  humility  which  entereth  Heaven, 
Finding  itself  at  home.     The  things  we  mourn 
Work  our  eternal  gain. 


374  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

So  let  our  joys 

Be  tremulous  as  the  mimosa's  leaf, 
And  each,  affliction  with  a  serious  smile 
Be  welcomed  in,  at  the  heart's  open  door, 
Even  as  the  Patriarch  met  his  muffled  guests 
And  found  them  angels. 


DECEMBER  IV. 

"  They  rest  from  their  labors." 

REVELATION,  xiv:  13. 

THE  wreck-strewn  Sea  doth  gladly  rest 
From  tempests  wildly  sweeping, 

The  tired  Earth  hides  in  Winter's  breast 
From  toil  of  Summer-reaping, 

The  stream  by  rocky  foes  unvex'd 

In  crystal  ice-bed  slumbers, 
And  sweetly  dreams  the  wearied  vine 

Bow'd  low  with  clustering  numbers, 

But  sweeter  the  repose  of  man 
From  labor  and  from  weeping, 

When  pain  and  prejudice  and  pride 
No  more  stern  watch  are  keeping, 

Where  sounds  of  strife  in  music  end 
Where  light  in  darkness  shineth, 

Where  cares  and  fears  and  griefs  are  o'er, 
And  Sin,  its  power  resigneth. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  375 


DECEMBER  V. 

"  Hi.  leaf,  also,  shall  not  wither." 

PSALMS,  i :  3. 

THE  rose-leaves  all  are  scattered, 

They  float  upon  the  blast, 
Ye  may  not  gather  them  again, 

Ye  may  not  hold  them  fast, 
The  lily  withers  by  the  stream, 

Or  in  the  garden- glade, 
It  had  its  time  to  smile  and  charm, 

The  time  hath  come  to  fade. 

But  there's  a  changeless  beauty 

That  bideth  storm  and  frost, 
And  clings  to  Winter's  hoary  crown 

When  the  forest-glory's  lost, 
It  gathers  richer  brilliance 

As  earthly  flowers  decay, 
The  rose  and  lily  of  the  soul, 

They  can  not  fade  away. 


DECEMBER  VI. 

"Although  the  fig-tree  shall  not  blossom,  neither  fruit  be  in  the  vine,  the  labor  of  the  olive 
fail,  and  the  fields  yield  no  meat,  the  flocks  be  cut  off  from  the  fold,  and  there  be  no  herd  in 
the  stall.  Yet  I  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the  God  of  my  salvation." 

HABAKKUK,  iii:  17,18. 

THOUGH  the  fruitage,  ripening  fair, 
Wither  and  deceive  our  care, 
Though  upon  the  blighting  gale 
Each  untimely  cluster  fail, 


376  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Though  the  furrows  we  have  sown 
Yield  but  thankless  weeds  alone, 
Harvest-hopes  in  sadness  flee, 
We  will  still  rejoice  in  Thee. 

Though  the  lambs  our  crook  hath  led, 
And  'mid  greenest  pastures  fed, 
Stiffen'd  in  their  fold  should  lie, 
In  their  stall  the  herd  should  die, 
'Mid  all  poverty  and  loss, 
Gold  of  promise  turn'd  to  dross, 
Bending  low  the  prayerful  knee, 
We  will  find  our  joy  in  Thee. 

When  around  our  pilgrim-path 
Time  shall  steal  in  wintry  wrath, 
When  our  fountains  disappear, 
When  our  vines  are  brown  and  sere, 
When  our  props  of  love  and  trust 
Tremble  and  return  to  dust, 
Though  wild  blasts  lay  bare  the  tree, 
Sweetly  will  we  rest  on  Thee. 


DECEMBER  VII. 


•The  Lord  ii  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender  mercy." 

JAMKS,  v:  11. 


GIVE  comfort  to  me,  Lord, 
For  earthly  joys  decay, 

And  all  the  columns  of  my  trust 
Eecede  and  melt  away, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  377 

And  every  fount  of  love 

By  which  I  erst  would  dream 
Has  vanish'd  'mid  the  arid  sands, 

Like  fickle  summer-stream, 

And  every  precious  tree 

Of  friendship's  cherish'd  shade, 
Is  'neath  the  woodman's  sweeping  axe 

In  utter  ruin  laid. 

Give  comfort,  Lord,  because 

My  lonely  heart  is  weak, 
And  for  the  solace  and  the  smile 

Of  sympathy  doth  seek, 

Have  pity,  Lord,  because 

Thy  mercy  hath  no  bound, 
And  as  my  darkened  day  may  need, 

So  let  my  strength  be  found. 


DECEMBER  VIII. 

"  The  day  goeth  away,  the  shadows  of  the  evening  are  stretched  out." 

JEREMIAH,  vi :  4. 

THE  day  is  gone.     Eecall  its  fleeting  hours 
And  ask  of  each,  what  good  it  hath  achiev'd, 
What  fault  permitted.     Then,  ere  sleep  enchain 
The  drowsy  powers,  call  to  its  prayerful  cell 
Thy  solitary  soul. 

32* 


378  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Bid  Love's  light  harp 
Keep  silence,  and  the  busy  hand  of  Hope 
Rest  'mid  its  woven  rose-buds,  and  pale  Grief, 
With  locks  dishevel'd  o'er  her  shoulders  thrown, 
Stay  at  the  entrance.     These  are  of  the  earth. 
The  pilgrim  as  he  nears  the  Holy  Land 
Tires  of  the  caravan,  whose  tinkling  bells 
So  long  resounded  o'er  his  desert  way. 

Talk  with  the  parted  day,  Oh  musing  soul, 
And  Him  who  gave  it,  till  the  light  of  faith 
Kindle  within,  that  erst  on  Moses'  brow 
Descending  from  the  flame-touch'd  mount,  reveal'd 
"With  whom  he  held  communion. 


DECEMBER  IX. 

"A  handful  of  corn." 

PSALMS,  Ixxii :  16. 

SCATTER  the  corn  o'er  broken  ground, 

When  suns  and  dews  are  free, 
And  ere  a  few  brief  moons  are  told, 

Look !  what  the  change  shall  be, 
The  lofty  stalk,  the  tassel'd  crown, 

The  sheaves  like  gold  that  glow, 
And  bread  for  man,  and  food  for  beast, 

Up  from  those  kernels  grow. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  379 

Scatter  good  thoughts  on  pages  pure, 

With  prayer  and  humble  trust, 
And  though  they  fail  to  germinate 

Till  thou  art  laid  in  dust, 
Yet  may  it  be  thy  lot  to  meet, 

When  earth  away  hath  fled, 
Glad  souls  before  the  Saviour's  seat 

Who  on  their  fruits  have  fed. 


DECEMBER  X. 

id  for  a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God." 

HEBREWS,  xi:  10- 

LOOK,  to  that  glorious  state, 

A  birthright  pure  and  free, 
Nor  tremble  at  the  temple-gate, 

Which  openeth  wide  for  thee. 

Look,  to  those  cloudless  plains 

Where  flowers  perennial  spring, 
And  learn  the  never-dying  strains 

That  white-rob'd  seraphs  sing. 

Hark !  hark !  the  watchman  calls ! 

To  yon  blest  city's  height, 
Which  hath  foundations,  and  whose  walls 

Its  Maker  decks  with  light. 


380  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Up,  to  the  Tree  of  Life, 

Nor  longer  weakly  cling 
To  haunts  of  vanity  and  strife 

Where  fierce  temptations  sting. 

Up,  to  thy  kindred  dear, 
Who  beckon  from  the  skies, 

Who  wander'd  once  in  darkness  here, 
But  urge  thee  now  to  rise. 

Dread  not  the  Spoiler's  power 

To  chill  the  vital  flame, 
But  'mid  the  darkening  clouds  that  lower 

Thy  higher  being  claim : 

For  this,  thy  fleeting  breath 
With  all  its  hopes  was  given, 

Eise,  snatch  the  victory  from  death, 
And  take  the  bliss  of  Heaven. 


DECEMBER  XL 

'  My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord,  more  thnn  they  that  watch  for  the  morning." 

PSALMS,  c.xxx :  6. 

WHO  watch  for  morn  ?     The  sufferer's  eye 
That  sleepless  marks  the  hours  go  by, 
The  exhausted  nurse,  before  whose  sight 
Long  shadows  steal  and  day  seems  night, 
The  sailor-boy,  his  watch  who  keeps 
On  lonely  deck,  'mid  surging  deeps, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  381 


And  thinks,  perchance,  with  weary  tread, 
Of  home,  and  brothers  warm  in  bed, 
Fast  by  whose  side  he  used  to  rest, 
Lov'd  fledgelings  in  the  parent  nest. 

Yes, — these  rejoice,  when  far  away 
The  dawn  steals  on,  with  mantle  gray, 
And  all  impearl'd  with  dew-drops  sheen 
Aurora's  sandals  print  the  green. 
Yet  more  than  sick  man's  feeble  wail, 
Or  worn-out  nurse,  with  watching  pale, 
Or  mournful  mariner  at  sea, 
Waiteth  my  soul,  Oh  Lord,  for  Thee, 
For  health,  for  hope,  for  needful  rest, 
Oh !  make  it  by  Thy  presence  blest. 


DECEMBER  XII. 

"  Rejoice  in  the  Lord  always;  and  again  I  say,  Rejoice." 
PHILLIPPU 

BE  joyful,  when  the  light 
Of  youth  is  on  thy  bowers, 

The  fleeting  spring-tide  of  thy  race 
Thy  lodge  among  the  flowers. 

Be  joyful  'mid  the  toils 

On  life  mature  that  wait, 
The  high  meridian  of  thy  day, 

The  summer  of  thv  state. 


382  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Be  joyful  when  the  tints 

Of  Autumn  change  the  scene 

And  walk  amid  the  fallen  leaves 
With  countenance  serene. 

Be  joyful,  even  when  age 
Shall  cast  its  chilling  snow, 

And  through  the  naked  branches  bid 
The  stars  more  brightly  glow. 

Even,  when  time's  fmish'd  year 
Shall  to  the  grave  descend, 

Rejoice  in  Him  who  gives  a  life 
That  nevermore  shall  end. 


DECEMBER  XIII. 

'Seeing   then  thai  all   these  things  shall   be  dissolved,  what  manner  of  person*  ought 
ye  to  be  7  "  SND  PKTKR,  iii :  11. 

ALL  things  to  be  dissolved  ? 

The  links  that  bind 
Ruler  to  ruled,  the  iron  bonds  of  law 
Consolidated  by  each  passing  age, 
Shall  there  like  childrens'  bubbles  float  away? 

The  vast  cathedral,  where  the  emmet  man 

Hath  piled  his  stone  on  stone  and  fallen  and  died, 

Race  after  race,  while  still  its  heavenward  bulk 

Cemented  rose,  casting  on  all  around 

A  solemn  shadow,  shall  that  leave  no  trace  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  383 

The  solid  rock,  that  hath  borne  up  the  weight 
Of  Himalay,  or  Andes,  since  the  hour 
That  flying  chaos  freed  the  struggling  earth, 
Yet  stagger' d  not  nor  flinch'd,  shall  that  dispart 
In  noteless  atoms  ? 

Yonder  arch  of  blue, 

Whose  mighty  pillars  thro'  unfathomed  deeps 
Strike  their  strong  base  as  tho'  they  mock'd  at  time, 
The  crystal  orbit  of  the  sphered  stars, 
The  silver  palace  of  the  queenly  Moon, 
The  throne  and  chariot  of  the  King  of  Day, 
Shall  all  dissolve? 

What  then  can  man  secure  ? 
The  diamond  armor  of  a  holy  life, 
The  asbestos  of  the  soul. 

These  can  not  burn. 


DECEMBER  XIV. 

"  First  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  after  that,  the  full  corn  in  the  ear." 

MARK,  i 

THERE  springs  a  shoot  of  tender  green, 

Up  in  the  furrowed  soil, 
Just  where  the  faithful  plow  hath  been, 

To  mark  the  vernal  toil, 

And  though  no  blossom  proudly  spread 

Doth  lure  the  florist's  eye, 
It  gathereth  to  its  lowly  head 

The  dew-drop  from  the  sky, 


384  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

While  shrouded  in  its  bosom's  fold 
Like  cradled  infant  dear, 

There  sleeps  an  embryo  sheaf  of  gold, 
For  ripening  suns  to  rear. 

But  they  who  glide  on  blissful  wing 

Amid  unfading  bowers, 
Who  do  the  bidding  of  their  King 

In  brighter  realms  than  ours, 

They,  with  undimm'd,  unerring  eye, 
The  priceless  worth  survey, 

Of  those  close-hidden  germs  that  lie 
Involved  in  noteless  clay, 

They  bid  us  watch  the  quickened  sod, 
Refresh ed  by  genial  rain, 

And  for  the  garner  of  our  God 
Each  plant  immortal  train. 


DECEMBER  XV. 

"  Songs  in  the  house  of  my  pilgrimage." 

PSALMS,  cxix :  54. 

NAME  me  the  birds  that  dare  to  sing 

When  wintry  tempests  blow, 
When  ruffian  winds  wild  challenge  fling, 
And  ices  to  the  streamlet  cling, 
And  check  its  merry  flow. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  385 

The  Kobin,  with  his  kindling  breast  ? 

The  Thrush,  musician  rare  ? 
The  Martin,  bold  and  shrill  of  note? 
The  Blackbird  with  his  tireless  throat, 

Sing  they,  when  trees  are  bare  ? 

No,  No;  their  favorite  haunts  are  lone, 

Their  warbling  measures  still, 
They  all  are  gone,  they  might  not  stay 
To  meet  stern  Winter's  iron  sway, 

Say,  what  their  place  can  fill  ? 

Upon  their  radiant  plumes  we  muse 

Beside  our  wintry  hearth, 
While  dreary  snows  their  banners  toss, 
What  can  console  us  for  the  loss 

Of  melody  and  mirth  ? 

The  unselfish  deed,  the  gentle  word, 

The  smile  that  lights  the  eye, 
The  pitying  hand  to  want  and  pain 
True  Friendship  ne'er  invoked  in  vain, 

Pure  Love,  that  can  not  die ; 

These  build  a  green  bower  in  the  heart 

Though  every  branch  is  riven, 
These  have  no  winter  in  their  breast, 
But  gladly  from  a  lowly  nest 
Strike  the  soul's  key-tone,  sweet  and  blest, 

And  sing  like  birds  of  Heaven. 


386  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


DECEMBER  XVI. 

u  Rejoice  evermore." 

1ST  THE88ALONIAN3,  V:    16. 

BE  glad,  my  brother,  when  the  flower 

Unfolds  its  honied  cup  for  thee, 
And  birds  amid  the  vernal  bower 

Stir  every  leaf  with  minstrelsy; 
Be  glad,  when  storms  of  Autumn  roll, 

When  tyrant  Winter  lifts  his  rod, 
And  in  the  silence  of  the  soul 

Give  praise  to  God. 

Be  glad,  when  Hope  around  thee  glows ; 

Even  'mid  adversity  or  care 
Pour  sympathy  on  others'  woes, 

And  find  a  strengthening  solace  there : 
Should  clouds  of  sorrow  shade  thy  cot, 

And  make  the  cheering  landscape  sad, 
Look  on  another's  happier  lot, 

And  be  thou  glad. 

Be  glad,  when  youth  illumes  the  scene, 

When  years  mature  their  burdens  bear, 
When  thoughtful  age  with  eye  serene, 

Twines  almond-blossoms  in  thy  hair. 
Brother,  be  glad ;  without  a  fear 

Take  life's  last  Angel  by  the  hand, 
Thy  herald  to  yon  brighter  sphere, 

The  Better  Land. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  387 


DECEMBER  XVII. 

"  Them,  also,  that  sleep  in  Jesus." 

1ST   TliESSALOM.VNF,  IV  I    14. 

How  rest  the  saints  in  Christ,  who  sleep 
Far  from  the  tempter's  power? 

While  for  their  loss  the  mourners  weep, 
In  lonely  hall  and  bower  ? 

They  rest,  unvexed  by  wildering  dreams 

Of  mortal  care  and  woe, 
Nor  wake  to  taste  the  bitter  streams 

That  through  these  valleys  flow. 

They  rest  as  rests  the  planted  seed 

Within  its  wintry  tomb, 
With  hope  from  all  its  cerements  freed, 

To  rise  in  glorious  bloom. 

They  sleep  as  sleeps  the  wearied  child 

Upon  its  mother's  breast, 
Nor  foe,  nor  fear,  nor  tumult  wild, 

Invade  their  peaceful  rest. 

Then  why  with  grief,  from  year  to  year, 

Their  blessed  lot  deplore, 
And  shed  the  unavailing  tear 

For  those  who  weep  no  more? 

Ah,  rather  in  their  footsteps  tread, 
With  quickened  zeal  and  prayer, 

And  live  as  lived  the  holy  dead. 
That  ye  their  rest  may  share. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOK. 


DECEMBER  XVIII. 

"  Yea,  the  stork  in  the  heaven  knoweth  her  appointed  time." 

JKRKMIAH,  viii:  7. 

SEE  the  stork  laborious  tending 
Onward  through  the  vaulted  sky, 

'Neath  those  aged  pinions  bending 
That  had  taught  his  own  to  fly 

Still  his  parents'  burden  bearing, 

Patient  o'er  the  trackless  way, 
Fondly  for  their  comfort  caring, 

Never  wearied  night  or  day. 

Father,  when  thy  head  is  hoary, 
When  thine  eye  is  dim  with  shade, 

"Will  it  be  my  pride  and  glory 
Thy  declining  steps  to  aid  ? 

Mother,  when  thy  spirits  languish, 

When  thy  strength  and  youth  are  spent, 

Shall  I  seek  to  sooth  thine  anguish 
Thou,  who  o'er  my  cradle  bent  ? 

Ever  tireless,  kind  and  tender, 

Shall  I  watch  lest  they  are  grieved  ? 

And  the  same  affections  render 
That  I  once  from  them  received  ? 

Blessed  lesson,  gentle  teacher, 

May  it  not  be  lost  on  me, 
Lest  a  simple  winged  creature 

Should  my  just  reprover  be. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  389 


DECEMBER   XIX. 

All  the  days  of  Methuselah  were  nine  hundred  sixty  and  nine  years,  and  he  died." 

GENESIS,  v :  27. 

AND  was  this  all  ?     He  died!     He  who  beheld 
The  slow  unfolding  of  centurial  years, 
And  shook  that  burden  off  unharm'd  that  turns 
Our  temples  white,  and  in  his  freshness  stood 
While  firm  oaks  molder'd,  hath  he  left  no  trace, 
Save  this  one  line,  he  died! 

What  mighty  plans 

Might  in  that  time-defying  bosom  spring, 
And  wear  their  harvest  diadem,  while  we 
In  the  poor  hour-glass  of  our  seventy  years 
Scarce  see  the  bud  of  a  few  plants  of  hope 
Ere  we  are  laid  beside  them,  dust  to  dust. 

Oh,  gay  flower-gatherers  on  this  crumbling  brink 
Howe'er  amid  thick  bowers  ye  hide,  and  think 
To  let  the  pale  king  pass,  it  will  be  said 
Of  you,  as  of  earth's  oldest  man, — he  died! 
Add  to  your  epitaph, — he  lived  to  God. 


DECEMBER  XX. 

Blessed  is  He  that  waiteth." 

DANIEL,  xii :  12. 

DRAWING  near  the  western  gate, 
Wait,  my  brother,  bravely  wait, 
Death,  that  ends  this  mortal  strife, 
Doth  he  not  accomplish  life  ? 
33* 


390  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

On  thy  soul  its  armor  brace, 
Look  him  fearless  in  the  face, 
All  his  boasted  power  defy, 
Meet  him  with  unclouded  eye, 
As  the  messenger  who  brings 
Passport  from  the  King  of  kings. 

Drawing  near  the  western  gate, 
"Wait,  my  sister,  calmly  wait, 
Through  all  changes,  dark  or  bright, 
Mercy  kept  thee  in  its  sight, 
Tempered  wisely  every  blast, 
"Will  it  cast  thee  off  at  last  ? 
Comes  that  form,  who  silent  led 
Many  a  loved  one  to  the  dead  ? 
Put  thy  hand  in  his,  and  see 
What  deliverance  waits  for  thee. 


DECEMBER  XXI. 

"The  night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work." 

JOHN,  ix :  4. 

FROM  us,  if  every  fleeting  hour 
Improvement's  boon  doth  ask, 

The  Shortest  Day  may  surely  claim 
Its  own  peculiar  task, 

The  Shortest  Day, — let  Morning's  eye 

Its  sacred  rule  repeat, 
And  Evening's  thoughtful  ministry 

Enforce  the  lesson  sweet, 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  391 

Patient  to  render  good  to  all 

Within  our  bounded  sphere, 
The  gentle  word,  the  active  deed, 

The  sympathizing  tear, 

Uplift  the  heart  to  Him  who  gives 

Our  path  with  hope  to  shine, 
Gladly  receive  each  cup  of  joy 

Or  tranquilly  resign  ; 

For  duties  such  as  these  shall  bear 

'Mid  all  our  cares  and  fears 
The  soul  above  the  flight  of  time, 

With  all  its  measured  years. 


DECEMBER  XXII. 

"  Call  the  Sabbath  a  delight." 

ISAIAH,  Iviii:  13. 

To  meet  its  earliest  ray  with  praise, 
For  mercies  rich  and  great, 

To  muse  in  holy  silence  on 
Our  everlasting  state, 

To  talk  with  those  who  o'er  the  flood 
Of  Death  have  gone  before, 

And  deeper  plant  within  our  soul 
The  heaven-lit  smile  they  wore, 

To  bare  the  heart  to  Him  who  brings 
Pure  water  from  the  rock, 

And  join  within  His  temple-gates 
The  worship  of  his  flock, 


392  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

The  vanity  and  burdening  care 

Of  earth  aside  to  lay, 
That  like  the  robe  of  Nessus  burns 

The  life  of  life  away, 

With  breath  of  solitary  thought 
To  fan  Devotion's  flames, 

This  is  their  privilege,  who  yield 
To  God  the  day  He  claims. 


DECEMBER  XXIII. 

"  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes." 

KKVKLATION,  vii :  17. 

THE  mother's  kiss  consoles  the  babe 

That  weeps  in  helpless  grief, 
And  for  the  troubles  of  the  child 

Brings  smiles  of  sweet  relief, 
Yet  still  those  quickly  banish'd  tears 

Are  like  the  April  rain, 
Beneath  the  polish'd  lids  they  swell, 

And  back  they  come  again. 

The  friend  beside  his  sorrowing  friend 

With  sympathy  sincere, 
Divides  the  pang,  returns  the  sigh, 

And  stays  the  bitter  tear, 
Yet  o'er  the  fountain  of  the  heart 

That  soothing  spell  is  vain, 
A  new  affliction  stirs  its  depths 

And  forth  they  gush  again. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  393 

Tho'  Love  and  Friendship's  hallowed  force 

May  quell  the  tides  of  woe, 
Each  passing  hour  retains  the  power 

To  bid  its  surges  flow, 
But  they  who  take  a  blessed  flight 

Above  those  realms  of  pain, 
Whose  tears  the  hand  of  God  hath  dried, 

Shall  never  weep  again. 


DECEMBER  XXIV. 

"Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give." 

MATTHKW,  i:  8. 

GIVE  prayers ;  the  evening  hath  begun ; 

Be  earlier  than  the  rising  sun  ; 

Remember  those  who  feel  the  rod, 

Remember  those  who  know  not  God ; 

His  hand  can  boundless  blessings  give : 

Breathe  prayers ;  through  them  the  soul  shall  live. 

Give  alms :  the  needy  sink  with  pain, 

The  orphans  mourn,  the  crushed  complain. 

Give  freely :  hoarded  gold  is  curst, 

A  prey  to  robbers  and  to  rust, 

Christ,  through  his  poor,,  a  claim  doth  make; 

Give  gladly,  for  thy  Saviour's  sake. 

Give  books :  they  live  when  thou  art  dead, 
Light  on  the  darkened  mind  they  shed, 
Good  seed  they  sow,  from  age  to  age, 
Through  all  this  mortal  pilgrimage, 
They  nurse  the  germs  of  holy  trust, 
They  wake  untired  when  we  are  dust. 


394  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Give  smiles,  to  cheer  the  little  child, 

A  stranger  on  this  thorny  wild, — 

It  bringeth  love,  its  guard  to  be, 

It,  helpless,  asketh  love  from  thee. 

Howe'er  by  fortune's  gifts  unblest, 

Give  smiles  to  childhood's  guileless  breast. 

Give  words,  kind  words,  to  those  who  err ; 
Eemorse  doth  need  a  comforter. 
Though  in  temptation's  wiles  they  fall, 
Condemn  not, — we  are  sinners  all : 
With  the  sweet  charity  of  speech, 
Give  words  that  heal,  and  words  that  teach. 

Give  thought,  give  energy,  to  themes 
That  perish  not  like  baseless  dreams. 
Hark !  from  the  islands  of  the  sea, 
The  missionary  cries  to  thee, 
To  aid  him  on  a  heathen  soil, 
Give  thought,  give  energy,  give  toil. 


DECEMBER  XXY. 

"  Lo !  the  star  which  they  saw  in  the  oust,  went  before  them,  till  it  came  and  stood  over 
rtiere  the  young  child  was."  MATTHEW,  ii :  9. 

WHY  did  it  leave  its  ancient  sphere, 

Yon  sentinel  on  high  ? 
That  at  creation's  morning  swell'd 

The  anthem  of  the  sky  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  395 

Why  paus'd  it  on  its  new  career 

Ere  the  far  goal  was  won  ? 
As  erst  the  sun  and  moon  stood  still, 

On  awe-struck  Ajalon. 

Why  turn'd  it  thus  with  earnest  beam 

Toward  humbled  Palestine, 
Where  Bethlehem  of  Judea  spread 

Its  narrow,  noteless  line  ? 

The  searching  eye  of  man  survey'd 

In  that  sequestered  vale, 
A  manger-bed,  a  helpless  babe, 

A  mother,  pure  and  pale, 

But  thou,  with  glance  serene,  didst  scan, 
Through  all  this  strange  disguise, 

Him,  who  the  Eternal  counsels  shared, 
The  ruler  of  the  skies, 

Though  wondering  angels  might  not  read 

The  secrets  of  His  will, 
Thou,  watcher  at  the  Gate  of  Heaven, 

Didst  homage,  and  wert  still. 


396  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


DECEMBER  XXVI. 

"  Out  of  the  depths." 

PSALMS,  cxxx:  1. 

WHOM  would  you  choose,  as  comforter  in  grief? 
To  sit  beside  you,  when  the  heart  gave  way  ? 
Those  who  have  never  wept? 

A  single  tear 

From  a  poor  menial's  eye,  hath  more  of  balm 
Than  all  their  pomp  of  verbiage.     I'm  afraid 
Of  those  who  never  mourned.     I  know  not  how 
To  meet  their  unbowed  natures.     Nurs'd  in  pride, 
And  puff 'd  with  wine  and  perfume  of  the  world, 
What  reck  they  of  the  agony  of  souls 
"Salted  with  fire?" 

No  doubt  the  friends  of  Job, 
Sleek  and  well-favor'd,  failed  to  comprehend 
His  plunge  from  princely  wealth  to  poverty, 
The  silence  of  a  home  that  had  no  child, 
The  loathed  sickness  creeping  o'er  the  frame, 
The  wifely  tempting,  the  intense  despair, 
That  mastering  patience,  forc'd  his  bitter  groan 
Out  of  the  depths.     Hence  they  selected  themes 
Inapposite,  swelling  the  sufferer's  woe, 
Till  God  from  out  the  whirlwind,  answered  them. 
Sorrow  that  rends  and  wrings  the  human  heart 
Eipeneth  its  sympathies.     May  not  this  be 
One  reason  for  its  discipline  from  Him 
Who  is  so  pitiful  ?  that  we  may  learn 
Better  to  soothe  and  serve  our  stricken  race 
Amid  the  nameless  ills  that  all  partake  ? 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  397 


DECEMBER  XXVII. 

"  As  he  walked  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  he  snw  Simon,  and  Andrew  his  brother,  casting  a  net, 
for  they  were  fishers,— and  said, '  Come  ye  after  me.' "  MARK,  i :  16  17 

PARENTS,  musing  in  your  homes, 

Know  ye  what  your  sons  have  done  ? 

What  a  treasure  they  have  found  ? 
What  an  honor  they  have  won  ? 

Not  Judea's  pontiff  crown, 

Not  the  tyrant  Roman's  meed, 
Not  the  glittering  spoil  of  gold, 

Those  were  fleeting  gains  indeed. 

While  with  toil  their  net  they  spread 
Thoughtful  by  the  billowy  tide, 

Girded  with  their  fisher's  coat, 
Jesus  call'd  them  to  his  side, 

Call'd  them,  first  of  all  the  band, 

Who  should  touch  the  world  with  flame, 

He,  who  came  the  lost  to  save, 

Call'd  them,  and  they  trustful  came. 

When  this  earth  shall  pass  away, 

When  its  sun  is  lost  in  shade, 
May  it  then  of  us  be  said, 

Jesus  call'd  and  they  obey'd. 
34 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 


DECEMBER  XXVIII. 

"  When  my  soul  fainted  within  me,  I  remembered  the  Lord." 

JONAH,  ii:  7. 

ALONE  I  sate,  by  the  waning  lamp, 

'Mid  the  lull  of  the  tempest's  strife, 
At  the  fading  hour  of  the  dying  year, 

And  the  fading  time  of  life, 

And  I  thought  of  the  hearts  that  had  ceased  to  beat 
Where  my  love  was  once  garner'd  strong, 

And  I  counted  the  friends  who  had  gone  to  the  dead, 
A  mute,  and  a  mournful  throng ; 

Their's  were  the  hands  that  were  clasp'd  with  mine 

When  existence  was  new  and  fair, 
Their's  were  the  arms  upon  which  I  lean'd, 

In  the  burdening  years  of  care : 

And  my  soul  had  fainted  beneath  its  load, 

For  the  eyes  with  tears  were  dim, 
Had  it  not  remember'd  the  Lord  our  Rock, 

And  strengthen'd  itself  in  Him. 


DAILY    COUNSELLOR.  399 


DECEMBER  XXIX. 

"Ye  observe  days,  and  months,  and  times,  and  years." 

GALATIANS,  i 

HE  glideth  slow  away, 

The  Old  Year,  lone  and  grey, 

Kind  and  good, 
He  hath  given  us  all  he  had, 
He  would  fain  have  made  us  glad, 

If  he  could. 

To  the  ages  that  are  past, 
On  the  wild  and  wintry  blast 

He  hath  sped, 
And  they  utter  as  they  fly, 
"Praise!  praise"  to  God  on  high, 
Like  an  angel's  solemn  cry 

From  the  dead. 

He  brought  us  merry  cheer, 
Brought  us  blessings  rich  and  dear, 

And  his  hand 

If  it  robed  our  joys  in  gloom 
Pointed  upward  o'er  the  tomb, 
Where  the  flowers  in  fadeless  bloom 

Ever  stand. 

But  our  years,  both  new  and  old, 
Will  be  number'd  soon,  and  told, 
And  the  lamp  in  socket  cold 
Cease  to  burn, 


400  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Yet  with  faith  that  quells  despair, 
Still,  in  every  woe  and  care, 
Unto  Him  that  heareth  prayer, 
Let  us  turn. 


DECEMBER  XXX. 

"They  told  him  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by." 

LUKK,  xviii:  37. 

WATCHER,  untired  by  the  bed  of  pain, 
While  the  stars  sweep  on  with  their  midnight  train, 
Stifling  the  tear  for  thy  loved  one's  sake, 
Holding  thy  breath  lest  her  sleep  should  break, 
In  the  loneliest  hour  there's  a  helper  nigh, 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by. 

Stranger,  afar  from  thy  Native  Land 
Whom  no  one  takes  with  a  brother's  hand, 
Table  and  hearth-stone  are  glowing  free, 
Casements  are  sparkling,  but  not  for  thee : 
There  is  one  who  can  tell  of  a  home  on  high, 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by. 

Sad  one,  in  secret  bending  low, 

A  dart  in  thy  breast  that  the  world  may  not  know, 

Striving  the  favor  of  God  to  win, 

His  seal  of  pardon  for  days  of  sin, 

Press  on,  press  on,  with  thy  prayerful  cry, 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by. 


DAILY   COUNSELLOR.  401 

Mourner,  who  turn'st  to  the  chinch-yard  lone 
Scanning  the  lines  on  yon  marble  stone, 
Plucking  the  weeds  from  thy  childrens'  bed 
Planting  the  myrtle  and  rose  instead, 
Rai.se  from  their  pillow  thy  tearful  eye, 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by. 

Fading  One,  with  the  hectic  streak, 
In  thy  veins  of  fire  and  thy  wasted  cheek, 
Fear'st  thou  the  shade  of  the  darkened  vale? 
Look  to  the  Friend  who  can  never  fail ; 
He  hath  trod  it  himselfj  He  will  hear  thy  sigh, 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  passeth  by. 


DECEMBER  XXXI. 

So  teach  ut  to  number  our  dny»," 


THOU  dying  Year  1  Thou  dying  Year  ! 

I  watch  thy  parting  pang, 
Draw  tli©  broad  curtain  round  thy  head, 

And  o'er  thy  pillow  hang  : 
Without,  th©  wintry  frost  is  keen, 
Th©  pal©  moon  dons  her  mantle  sheen, 
Within,  th©  waning  lamp  burns  drear, 
And  thy  deep  gasping  wounds  my  ear, 

s  34* 


402  DAILY    COUNSELLOR. 

Thine  hour  hath  come,  the  midnight-bell 
Sounds  from  yon  tower  its  mournful  knell, 
Kind,  cherish'd  friend,  farewell !  fore  well ! 
One  sigh,  one  moan,  and  all  is  o'er, 
Save  dim  Oblivion's  phantom-shore. 

Yet  still  thy  tender  memories  twine 
With  the  strong  roots  of  hope  and  fear, 

And  that  recording  scroll  of  thine 

Must  bear,  where  myriad  souls  appear, 
Deep  witness  to  the  Judge's  ear. 

Nay,  frown  not  thus,  to  Him  I  fly, 
Who  holds  the  keys  of  earth  and  sky, 
And  never  to  His  ear,  in  vain, 

Was  breathed  the  contrite  sinner's  cry, 
So  haste  thee  to  thy  shadowy  train, 

For  I  will  trust  Him  till  I  die. 


THE  L1BKAK1 

OF  CALIFOEI'lA 
ANGELES 


IT" 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

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